Bord na Móna is a commercial semi-state company established under Section 7 of the Turf Development Act, 1946 to produce, market and foster the production and use of turf and turf products. The company also provides products and services in the environmental, renewable energy, electricity generation and waste management business sectors. Under its “New Contract with Nature” strategy, Bord na Móna is managing the transition away from its traditional peat businesses, to becoming a leading supplier of renewable and sustainable products and services.
As the Deputy will be aware, Bord na Móna is facing significant business challenges in the context of the deregulation of the electricity market and increasingly competitive and challenging environments across all its business areas. In order to ensure its continued success and survival, the Company is implementing a programme to transform all areas of its operations and structure, the key objective of which is to improve business effectiveness and efficiency.
The matter raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. However, I have raised the matter with Bord na Móna and I am advised that the company is currently implementing a transformation project in its finance operations to introduce a best practice Shared Services Model. The introduction of this model will take two years to complete and I am informed that no employee is required to re-apply for their existing position. Furthermore, I am advised that the new positions are being filled progressively in a fair, transparent and competitive manner in line with industry best practice.
