68 Deputy Brian Lenihan asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm if the proceeds of the sale of State assets will be used to fund a jobs programme as promised in the Fine Gael NewERA document or if the proceeds of the sale of State assets will be used to pay off the national debt. [9693/11]

161 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if the EU-IMF-ECB agreed during the recent review of the funding programme that the proceeds from the sale of certain State assets could be invested in job creation initiatives instead of paying down the national debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9739/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 161 together.

Both policy options are available in this regard for Government decision in due course in relation to any asset sales that might take place. The draft agreement with the EU/IMF does not preclude the use of the proceeds in this way and the matter is for further discussion with the EU/IMF as the occasion arises.