asked the Minister for Energy when he expects to engage consultants to examine the financial position and operation of Bord na Móna; the terms of reference of the consultancy; the likely date of completion of the work, and if there have been any other consultancies conducted on the operations of Bord na Móna in recent years; and, if so, if he will give details thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna.
22.
As I mentioned in the Dáil in November 1987 I intend having a study carried out of the board's entire operations with a view to maximising efficiency and identifying new peat developments which can be delivered on a profitable basis. The precise terms of reference have not been finally fixed as yet but it is my intention to commission consultants to carry out a study on the above lines in the very near future. It is anticipated that the study will be completed by the end of this year.
There have been no other consultancies carried out on behalf of my Department on the operations of Bord na Móna in recent years.
Is it somewhat unusual for the Minister to conduct consultancy work of this nature which would normally be carried out by the board? Is it true the Minister decided it should not be the board who would conduct this but rather his own Department and, if so, why did the Minister feel that was a sensible way to proceed?
I intend having a study carried out on the board's entire operations. In doing that I am in consultation with the management and with the board of Bord na Móna. I am to have meetings next week with the chief executive of the board and I hope after that to have the consultancy undertaken. It is normal procedure for a Government Department to have a consultant's report carried on their State agencies. There is nothing unusual whatsoever about it.