Vol. 464 No. 3
136 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the companies in which the Government has a shareholding, under the aegis of his Department, where a strategic alliance is being considered; the criteria that applies for the evaluation of such an alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7984/96]
With the exception of the current ongoing negotiations involving Telecom Eireann, no consideration is currently being given to the possibility of a strategic alliance for any of the other State companies under my Department's aegis.
The criteria which will apply to the evaluation of an equity-based strategic alliance with a major telecom operator will include, but will not be restricted to, the partner's ability to actively participate in bringing about the necessary changes within Telecom Eireann and also to inject funds to reduce the company's debt.
The partner must also:
—demonstrate a long-term commitment to the Irish market;
—be in a position to contribute to the overriding national policy objective and;
—assist in enabling Telecom Éireann to be both a major player in the market while remaining in majority public ownership, and expand as an integrated operator offering the full range of advanced services.
The capacity of the partnership to give access to additional business development and job opportunities will also be an important consideration.
