Vol. 456 No. 8
34 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the plans, if any, he has to meet the chairpersons and chief executives of the ESB and Bord Telecom to discuss their workforces' deep concerns regarding the future of their organisations and the air of uncertainty that has been created regarding their development. [13553/95]
I fully appreciate that the degree of change facing both Telecom Éireann and ESB could not be carried out without the goodwill and active co-operation of the workforces in these companies. I have met with the chairmen and chief executives on several occasions to discuss matters relating to overall strategic development and the key issues affecting both companies. Furthermore, I have met union representatives of both companies and it is fair to say that there has never been a greater degree of contact at all levels between the companies and my Department.
Structures exist in both companies for management and unions to discuss the new competitive pressures which their industries will face in the future and I am confident that with goodwill and a realistic appreciation of the future competitive environment, the right decisions will be made to position both companies to face the challenges which lie ahead.
