Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013
156. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on any meetings he has attended concerning the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15003/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a member of the Government, I have been involved in the Government meetings at which the State Asset Disposal programme, which includes the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights, have been considered. The outcome of one such meeting was the Government decision in February 2012 that consideration would be given to the sale of some assets of Coillte (excluding the sale of land). The exclusion of the sale of land from that process was to address the industry and public concerns expressed to me and my colleagues and concurred with the views of Government.
A more recent cabinet meeting resulted in the decision by the Government last summer that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale. Further to this decision, officials of my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and NewERA, in conjunction with Coillte, are examining the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. This work encompasses the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. All of this work is being undertaken to inform the consideration of the Government on the sale of harvesting rights. I have also met with the officials involved in the consideration process and my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to this matter. No further decision on Coillte will be made until it is discussed at Cabinet.
