83 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Energy if he instructed Coillte Teoranta not to proceed with a proposed joint venture with Wicklow Woods Saw-mill Company; if it is Government policy to refuse to allow joint venture operations between semi-State companies and private companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Act, 1988, Coillte Teoranta is obliged to seek my approval to the establishment or acquisition of subsidiaries or to investment proposals exceeding £250,000. The proposal concerning Wicklow Woods involved its acquisition and was not structured as a joint venture. I was not prepared to support the proposals for a variety of reasons, both strategic and commercial. Government policy in relation to semi-State companies remains as outlined in the Programme for Economic and Social Progress.