As referred to in the Deputy’s question, and in light of the Programme for Government commitment to create a streamlined and refocused commercial state company in the bio-energy and forestry sectors, the Government decided in June of this year that an evaluation would be carried out on how to give effect to a beneficial merger of Coillte and Bord na Móna.
NewERA is undertaking a financial evaluation on behalf of the relevant Government Departments (my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), which I understand is nearing completion. The Departments will consider NewERA’s findings when they are available and I hope to be in a position to bring a recommendation to Government on the matter shortly thereafter.