Vol. 491 No. 6
34 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the progress, if any, to date in discussions on the viability plan for the CIE group of companies; her views on whether officials from her Department should become directly involved in the negotiations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12807/98]
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 the parties are participating in the negotiations in a constructive and positive manner and that progress is being made, albeit slowly. The parties are being assisted in their negotiations by the Labour Relations Commission. These negotiations can only be brought to a successful conclusion by the unions and management in the individual subsidiary companies, with the assistance of the State's industrial relations machinery. I do not think it would be appropriate for my officials to become directly involved with that process although my Department is being kept informed of progress.
