Joe Sherlock
Question:148 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the Government's plans for the future of Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26284/03]
Written Answers. - Energy Resources.
As I have previously stated in my replies to questions on the future of Bord na Móna in April, June and October this year, planning for the future is a matter for the company in the first instance. In that regard, I refer the Deputy to the Programme for Government, agreed in June 2002, which stated that the Government will approach the issue of the appropriate form of ownership or structure for State companies on a case-by-case basis and will support the maximum commercial freedom of semi-State companies, subject to the fulfilment of national strategic and balanced regional policy objectives.
The chairman of Bord na Móna responded in March to my letter regarding the company's future and, in June, Bord na Móna formally presented to me its group strategy document and five year corporate plan 2003-08. The documents outline the company's proposals to deal with increasing commercial and environmental pressures and its plans to diversify away from peat based products into new sectors. My Department and the Department of Finance are assessing the issues raised with a view to responding to the company in the near future.