Vol. 466 No. 1
236 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the current position regarding the strategic alliance for Telecom Éireann; the research into and assessment made of such an alliance; the views of the Communications Workers Union in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10935/96]
Following receipt of preliminary bids the Government decided on 3 April that both KPN/Telia and Teledanmark should be admitted to the second phase of the alliance process.
In the second phase there have been extensive discussions with both bidders and a thorough disclosure and due diligence process has been gone through to enable bidders to prepare their final offers.
The alliance represents the best means of achieving the Government's aims for the telecommunications sector. These include achieving a telecom sector which is among the best in the OECD; bringing about the changes necessary to enable Telecom Éireann to compete effectively in an open market and to move forward as an integrated operator offering the full range of advanced services; and creating additional business development and employment opportunities.
In relation to the Communication Workers Union (CWU), their views have been set out in their document on the future of the telecommunications industry in Ireland. The views expressed in this constructive report were considered in the context of the Government mandate for strategic alliance negotiations. In addition, early on in this process I requested that the company put in place a formal structure for consultation to inform unions in relation to progress in the alliance process and to listen to their views.
