Vol. 482 No. 5
32 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the investment plans by Coillte Teoranta to invest in the saw milling industry in Northern Ireland; if her attention has further been drawn to the potential damage to the timber industry which could arise by virtue of a near monopoly situation which could then exist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14950/97]
I am aware of proposals by Coillte Teoranta to invest in a sawmill group in Northern Ireland which also has interests in the State. I am deeply conscious of the concerns expressed by the sawmilling sector in the matter and I have met representatives of the Irish Timber Council in this regard.
My Department has not yet received notification of the proposed acquisition of a majority stake by Coillte Teoranta in Balcas Ltd. If and when such a notification is received, I will make known my views on the implications of the proposed purchase. In particular I will be examining the implications for competition in the sawmilling sector.
