asked the Minister for Energy the nature of the financial proposals submitted to him recently by Bord na Móna and the action he proposes to take in the matter.
12.
Written Answers. - Bord na Móna.
8.
asked the Minister for Energy if he will arrange to convert the £27 million advanced by the Exchequer to Bord na Móna into equity working capital; and if he will arrange a moratorium on interest repayments due by Bord na Móna.
18.
asked the Minister for Energy the present position regarding Bord na Móna and if he will make a statement on the matter.
23.
asked the Minister for Energy if he intends bringing amending legislation in connection with Bord na Móna before the Dáil in the near future.
I propose taking Questions Nos. 8, 12, 18 and 23 together. In an effort to alleviate the financial consequences of the poor summers of 1985 and 1986 Bord na Móna made certain proposals to me last month involving direct cash aid, equity injection and amendment of the Turf Development Acts to convert Exchequer loans to equity. At the time of making their proposals, Bord na Móna had only achieved 33 per cent of their milled peat target for this year. I am glad to say that the fine weather of September and early October has changed that figure to 77 per cent as of last Friday. These proposals will have to be reassessed in the light of the changed conditions. I shall await to hear Bord na Móna's view of the improved situation, together with their proposals to deal with the situation as they now find it.