Vol. 401 No. 4
262 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport and Tourism if it is intended to privatise CIE International Tours; if a buy-out from a group consisting of existing management will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The CIE board has been examining the operations and financial prospects of CIE Tours International and I have recently received the board's report on foot of that examination.
A number of private sector travel and tourism concerns have expressed an interest in acquiring the CIE Tours business and these expressions of interest are being referred to CIE for evaluation and consideration by the board in the first instance. Any proposals for a buy-out of CIE Tours by existing management will be dealt with in the same manner.
