Ivor Callely
Question:17 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the semi-State companies or any of their services which the Government has considered or may consider for privatisation. [6935/95]
Written Answers. - Privatisation of State Bodies.
Ivor Callely
Question:69 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the semi-State companies or their services which the Government have identified or considered suitable for a strategic alliance with another company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7051/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 69 together.
The Deputy will appreciate that any question regarding the future of individual services provided by a State body is a matter for the board of that body in the first instance.
In relation to privatisation of State bodies I would direct the Deputy's attention to my reply of February 28 last, column 1700 of the Official Report, which set out the Government's general policy regarding privatisation of semi-State companies.
The position regarding certain State bodies has been referred to in the Dáil recently. Regarding the State banks, I would refer the Deputy to the reply of 28 February 1995, column 1685 of the Official Report.
Regarding Irish Steel, I would direct the Deputy to the reply given by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise and Employment on this matter on 15 March 1955, column 1456 of the Official Report.
Turning to the question of strategic alliances, consideration as to whether this would be in the interest of any particular semi-State company is a matter for the board of that company in the first instance and then for the relevant Government Minister and Government. Examination of any such proposal will take into account the interest of the company, the shareholder and the work-force. The Deputy will be aware that the question of a strategic alliance for Telecom Éireann is under consideration by the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications and I would refer the Deputy to my colleague's replies of 14 March and 29 March 1995 on this matter.