I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 18, 48, 60 and 63 together.
Because of the view of the EC Commission that the continued operation of the Dublin and Cork District Milk Boards could not be justified under Community law, the Government decided that the milk boards should be dissolved and replaced by a National Milk Agency which would regulate the liquid milk market on a countrywide basis. The Government also decided that the boards assets should be disposed of. Consultations are currently taking place with a view to implementing this decision.
There are at present no plans for the privatisation or commercialisation of the other companies or agencies under the control of the Department but, as stated in reply to Parliamentary Question No. 6 on 30 November 1989, the Government set up an ad hoc committee to prepare a report on the options for the future development of Siúicre Éireann. This committee are at present finalising their report, which is expected to be submitted to the Government shortly. Pending consideration of the report it is not possible to indicate what decisions will be taken on the future development of the company.