Vol. 485 No. 2
20 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if Aer Lingus has informed her of the developments, if any, regarding the sale of TEAM Aer Lingus since her statement during the Adjournment debate of 7 November 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22806/97]
25 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current developments in relation to Aer Lingus and TEAM Aer Lingus; the policy, if any, in relation to our national airline and associated important matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22757/97]
27 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the way in which public enterprise would be enhanced by the privatisation of TEAM Aer Lingus. [22807/97]
33 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on her meeting with representatives of the Aer Lingus group of unions regarding the proposed sale of TEAM Aer Lingus; if she will outline the most recent position regarding the proposed sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22730/97]
47 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the grounds, if any, on which consideration is being given to sell 100 per cent of TEAM Aer Lingus shareholdings in view of the original agreement which established the company and gave a guarantee that 51 per cent of shares will be held and would remain in holding by the State. [22733/97]
98 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will report on the current position of the proposed strategic partners for TEAM Aer Lingus; and if it is envisaged that the State will retain a minimum of a 51 per cent share in the company in the event of an agreement being reached. [23430/97]
108 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position regarding the ownership of TEAM Aer Lingus; the likely consequences for employers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22820/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 25, 27, 33, 47, 98 and 108 together.
I refer Deputies to my reply to priority Questions Nos. 7 and 8 today in relation to the issue of external investment in TEAM Aer Lingus. I would add that at the meeting with union representatives on 14 November 1997, which I initiated, concern was expressed by the representatives about lack of consultation on key developments regarding TEAM.
Following the meeting I communicated to the chairman of Aer Lingus my wish for a process of dialogue in which the staff would be consulted and kept informed of developments, while respecting the need for confidentiality in relation to certain commercially sensitive details. I understand that the following meetings have taken place between management and staff or staff representatives: on 31 October and 21 November, the chief executive met with and addressed the full workforce; on 26 November and 8 December Aer Lingus management met union representatives, and I understand another meeting is planned for Thursday next, 18 December.
Constructive discussions between both sides with proper regard for employee rights as well as commercial issues are the way forward to ensure the best results for the company and staff.
