Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1751. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the State will receive land rental from Bord na Móna for the development of solar farm projects on State-owned lands in view of the recent announcement by Bord Na Móna and the ESB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27083/17]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1752. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the State will receive an increased dividend from Bord na Móna if it uses State-owned lands to develop solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27084/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1751 and 1752 together.

Bord na Móna is a commercial State company operating under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998. The development of its landbank, which is vested in the company, is an operational matter for the Board and management of the company. The State does not have any right to receive rental income in respect of same.

The approval of the annual dividend payable by Bord na Móna to the Exchequer is a matter for the Board of Bord na Móna. However, as shareholder, I determine dividend policy in consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA. Current dividend policy is based on a percentage of annual profits after tax.