Semi-states pay dividends to State of €1.32bn in 11 years

New figures show that semi-state owned commercial firms have paid the State over €1.32bn in dividends over the past 11 years.

Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin confirmed that between 2003 and 2013, state-owned firms paid the Government €1.325bn in dividends.

Prior to 2008, total annual dividends received by government did not go over €83.9m in any year and totalled only €36.7m in 2003.