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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - Sale of B & I.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

22 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he has set any deadline for the completion of negotiations between Irish Ferries and the B & I group of unions; if he has had any discussions with either Irish Ferries or the unions on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Deputy is aware, discussions have been proceeding since October 1990 about the proposed sale of the B & I to the Irish Continental Group. In this context, there has been extensive consultation between my Department and the B & I group of unions as well as with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I have met trade union representatives on three occasions.

These discussions were fruitful. On 5 April 1991, the B & I group of unions joined with my Department in issuing a press release saying that they were prepared to positively co-operate with the sale of B & I to ICG, provided they got adequate assurances on key conditions affecting their members.

My Department had indicated both to ICG and the B & I group of unions that I wished the negotiations to be concluded by 2 May 1991. However, in response to a request from ICTU and because of the difficult issues to be addressed and the comprehensive nature of negotiations, I agreed to withdraw this deadline.

I had hoped that the deal with ICG would be well concluded by now. However, the wheels of industrial relations grind more slowly than I anticipated. Even allowing for this. I must say that I am very disappointed with the slow rate of progress in these negotiations. I have asked both sides to expendite matters and have been assured that they will attempt to do so.
As I informed the House on 17 April last, the proposed sale to ICG is the best deal possible for the B & I and the taxpayer. It offers a future for B & I as part of an enlarged Irish company strong enough to meet competition. I cannot guarantee the future of the B & I if this sale is not completed.
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