Bord na Móna waste sale
Deputy O'Rourke raised Bord na Móna’s reported plan to sell its waste management business, warning of privatisation, worker harms and reduced competition. The Taoiseach said he was not familiar with the details but would ask the Environment Minister to respond and ensure legal and competition requirements are met.
I raise the issue of Bord na Móna's plans to sell off its waste management business, as was reported recently. This risks further concentration of waste management services, which is potentially bad for workers and customers. It is further privatisation when the opposite should be happening. Is the Taoiseach aware of the plan and has he or the Government assessed it in terms of competition, terms and conditions of employment, workers' rights and State provision of services?
Comment on this
Truthfully, I am not across the detail of it. It has not been brought to my attention, but I will speak directly to the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about the issue. Any such matter would have to comply fully with competition law and other laws of the land such as employment law and an impact assessment should be considered. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy directly.