Vol. 514 No. 2
25 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, the Government has for the future of Coillte; if he will publish the report commissioned by the Government from financial advisers on options for its future; if the report advises against privatisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/00]
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.
In December 1998, AIB Capital Markets and Merrill Lynch International were appointed 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. It is my intention to publish the report and to invite comments from sectoral interests.
