Will the Minister clarify whether the new legislation, which I have not had the chance to see, will enable the board to establish subsidiaries? Will it be enabling legislation for the dividing up of their existing activities or will further legislation be required if that is to come to pass? Is forestry the only substitute the Minister foresees as a strategy to cushion the impact of high job losses in the midlands?

We will have an opportunity to discuss the Bill at length in the House. It is important legislation for the future of Bord na Móna and envisages the enabling power to allow sub-board groups to be established. That is not contained in the 1946 Act, as the Deputy is well aware.

There will not be a need for new legislation?

No. It is intended that about two-thirds of the cutaway bogs will be used for afforestation but there are other uses. Some cutaway bogs which have a low water table could be used for amenity purposes, vegetable growing and a variety of uses. I am open to suggestions from the board in that respect.