As the Deputy is aware, discussions have been proceeding since October 1990 about the proposed sale of the B & I to the Irish Continental Group. In this context, there has been extensive consultation between my Department and the B & I group of unions as well as with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. I have met trade union representatives on three occasions.
These discussions were fruitful. On 5 April 1991, the B & I group of unions joined with my Department in issuing a press release saying that they were prepared to positively co-operate with the sale of B & I to ICG, provided they got adequate assurances on key conditions affecting their members.
My Department had indicated both to ICG and the B & I group of unions that I wished the negotiations to be concluded by 2 May 1991. However, in response to a request from ICTU and because of the difficult issues to be addressed and the comprehensive nature of negotiations, I agreed to withdraw this deadline.