asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the Government's proposals for the future of Irish Life plc; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Future of Irish Life plc.
24.
No decision has been taken concerning the future of the company. As announced in July 1988, the Government decided that Irish Life Assurance plc should be restructured to facilitate its development into an Irish based international services company in the insurance field and that consultants should be appointed to advise in this regard.
The consultants have completed their examination and their report is being studied.
Can the Minister either confirm or deny reports to the effect that the consultants are recommending a sell-out of 50 per cent of the shares? Have the Government considered this, and what is their attitude to it?
The consultants are making a variety of recommendations which will be studied before I will comment any further on them.
When will the Minister inform the House of the Government's decision? Will he provide an opportunity in this House for a debate on such a decision?
The consultants' report and recommendations are being studied in my Department at the moment, then I will take the matter to Government for consideration. That is the procedure from here on.
The question was whether the Minister will provide an opportunity for this House to debate the Government's decision on Irish Life plc whatever it may be. Will the Minister retain them in public ownership or privatise them?
I will decide that matter in due course.