In the context of the forestry Bill, yesterday I asked the Taoiseach when he would report to the Dáil on a decision on the future of Coillte. He seemed to indicate that from his point of view it was full steam ahead with the privatisation of our forestry with all the baleful consequences seen in other jurisdictions where that happened. That surprised many Deputies because senior Labour Party Ministers had recently indicated that this reactionary move would be abolished. We had a leak from the Department, apparently from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, that this was the case. Given that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is sitting beside the Taoiseach, perhaps they could clear their lines.

Very clear.

The Minister is too busy heckling.

The appropriate committee is still holding hearings and having a debate on the issue. What is the Government's thinking this morning?

They are making it up as they go along.

Will it abandon this reactionary attempt to privatise a crucial public asset?

I can see the wood for the trees. There is no change since yesterday. The evaluation required on this and on a number of other potential sales of State assets is nearing completion. When the Government has that information and those evaluations, it will make its decision.

The Minister, Deputy Howlin, told The Sunday Times a few weeks ago that he was not proceeding with it.

Deputies will be informed clearly of what that decision will be.

Deputy Martin will be the first to know.

The Minister told The Sunday Times - or his spokespeople did - last Sunday week.