Commercial Semi-State Bodies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2012

Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Ceisteanna (62)

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

77 Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the restructuring of any State companies is currently being considered. [3803/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brendan Howlin)

As the Deputy will be aware, the NewERA unit was established within the National Treasury Management Agency in 2011 to reform the manner in which Government manages the commercial semi-State companies. NewERA will initially undertake the corporate governance function, from a shareholder perspective and reporting to relevant ministers, of ESB, Bord Gáis Éireann, EirGrid, Bord na Móna and Coillte. NewERA's role is also to advise on, and if appropriate, oversee any restructuring of these companies, along the lines suggested in the Deputy's question. At this early stage, no specific proposals for restructuring of State companies have arisen.