Vol. 487 No. 6
127 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 45 of 16 December 1997, she will report on progress in the viability plan for the CIE group of companies; if she will instruct her officials to become directly involved in the negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4876/98]
The three CIE subsidiary companies and unions representing their workers have been engaged in negotiations on necessary change and restructuring for some time. I understand that reasonable progress has been made and that the parties are participating in the negotiations in a positive manner, assisted by the Labour Relations Commission. It would not be appropriate for my officials to become directly involved although my Department is being kept informed of progress in the matter. The successful conclusion of these negotiations is a matter for the unions and management in the individual subsidiary companies.
