Batt O'Keeffe
Question:44 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if Telecom Eireann will be forced to relinquish its 75 per cent stake in Cablelink. [2731/97]
Written Answers. - Shareholding in Cablelink.
There is no requirement at present that would force Telecom Éireann to relinquish its shareholding in Cablelink.
Common ownership between telecommunications and cable TV occurs frequently among member states of the EU. The Commission is known to be concerned that this has implications for competition in both sectors. In fact, the commission is in the process of recruiting consultants to assist it with a review in this area with a view to making such proposals as are warranted by the end of the year. It is idle to speculate at this stage on the outcome.