Coillte, as a' private' company, seeks State money

national | miscellaneous | news report Friday December 11, 2009 09:03 by Hill walker

Coillte, the 'private company' seeks State approval for money

It is reported in today's Examiner, that Coillte is seeking further State approval to borrow money.

This is incredible, coming from Coillte, as Coillte always insist that Coillte is a private company.

The European Courts have ruled that Coillte is a Public entity, as per their ruling in 2003. (see related links, especially No 35 of the Courts ruling).

Yet, Coillte state that they are a private Company, and are exempted from any form of Corporate scrutiny.

Coillte are also acting ultra vires, and are at variance with the Forestry Act. Coillte are engaging in business interests which are outside the terms of the Forestry Act 1988, which state that Coillte's remit is " Forestry and forestry related issues". (see related links. especially 12(1) and 12(2) of the Act).

Also, Coillte are not obliged to disclose their Corporate Governance procedures, and they are not obliged to give out any information under the Freedom of Information Act.

It is clear that Coillte wears whichever hat suits on the day..., today it is the State hat, because they are seeking approval for extra funds..., tomorrow it will be the Private Company hat, when Coillte are asked for information into their dealings.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1988/en/act/pub/0026/sec....html