Vol. 508 No. 1
172 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the future of Coillte as a State owned entity is being examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/99]
180 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has in relation to the privatisation of Coillte; if he will transfer Donadea Forest Park, County Kildare, to Dúchas in advance of any final consideration of Coillte's future to ensure that this high amenity area remains available to the people of Kildare and the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17550/99]
The strategic plan for the development of forestry, published in 1996, indicated that Coillte Teoranta would be maintained in public ownership in the medium term, but that the full commercial development of the company would provide Government with a wide range of ownership options in the future.
Earlier this year, I appointed AIB Capital Markets and Merrill Lynch International to carry out a consultancy study to assess the options for the corporate development of Coillte. The study involves considering the role of Coillte in contributing to the Irish forestry sector and the identification and evaluation of appropriate options for the corporate development of Coillte, including strategic alliance and wider share ownership possibilities. The consultants' report is expected shortly.
The issue of public access to forests is, of course, one of many aspects which fall to be considered in the context of any preferred strategic option.
