asked the Minister for Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Telecom Éireann has expressed an interest in acquiring Cablelink, should that company be offered for sale; whether such an acquisition would reduce competition in the telecommunications industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Acquisition of Cablelink.
115.
I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions on the proposed sale of Cablelink on 20/10/88, columns 412 to 419 of the Official Report for the day.
As is clear from that reply, no decision has been taken by the Cablelink shareholders to sell the company and the action taken to date has, therefore, only the status of a market testing exercise. As such, I have no function in the matter and will not have, unless or until a proposal to transfer the Cablelink licence actually arises. Nevertheless in the context of the market testing exercise, Telecom Éireann have, as a matter of courtesy, informed me of their intention to make a bid for the company. At this point in time there is, of course, no competition between Telecom Éireann and Cablelink whose business are quite separate and, accordingly, the question of reducing competition does not arise.
I will give full consideration to all relevant issues in the event of a proposal to transfer the licence being put to me.