Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2017
575. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of his discussion with Bord na Móna with regard to its new acquisition in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3159/17]
View answer576. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he sought any assurances from Bord na Móna with reference to job security for workers in its Kilberry plant, Athy, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/17]
View answer577. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assurances he will provide that the existing jobs in the Bord na Móna Kilberry Plant, Athy, County Kildare will not be impacted by the new acquisition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 to 577, inclusive, together.
Bord na Móna is a commercial State company operating under the Turf Development Acts 1946 to 1998. While the matter raised by the Deputy, regarding assurances of existing jobs, is an operational one for the management team at Bord na Móna and not one in which I, as Minister, have any direct function, it is a matter of concern for me.
Consent to this acquisition followed thorough analysis by Bord na Móna in the first instance, NewERA, as Ministerial commercial and financial advisors, and my Departmental officials. The acquisition in question forms part of the Bord na Móna strategy to secure its long-term future by moving away from peat production for energy use. It also allows the company to continue to support the horticulture business here in Ireland and to maintain a strong presence in the UK market. As part of the consent process on my part, and on the part of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform , Bord na Móna provided assurances with regard to staff engagement and the minimisation of potential redundancies within the company.
