Vol. 412 No. 5
34 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the Government's policy on privatisation as summarised by the Taoiseach in his extended interview on RTE radio on 22 September 1991; if he will outline the reasons for this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
43 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the State companies which the Government propose to dispose of in part or all, through privatisation in the period 1992-93; if he will present a White Paper outlining the implications for (a) employment, (b) the national debt and (c) monetary policy in the light of the experience of other European economies and Australia and New Zealand; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
78 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline the privatisation proposals he is considering in relation to semi-State or State companies for the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 43 and 78 together.
The Government's policy in this matter is that stated in the Programme for Government, namely that any changes in the ownership structure of particular State companies will only take place if it is in the public interest and in the best interest of the company and their employees and following consultation with the social partners. This policy is reiterated in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.
It was agreed on 27 March 1990, at a meeting with ICTU, that a working group under the Central Review Committee would undertake a speedy review of the role and contribution of State companies in economic development and in job creation. The working group agreed a number of principles. These include agreement that there could be sales of shares in a State company to the private sector where this will enable the company to survive, to make a better contribution to the economy, to protect or increase employment, or is desirable on policy grounds. The Government stated that they have no ideological position on this. The Programme for Economic and Social Progress states that the Government accept these principles. That remains the position.
There are no specific proposals before the Government at present for the disposal of all or part of the State's shareholding in any State-owned companies, other than the sale of B & I which is nearing completion.
