Liz McManus
Ceist:53 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government proposals, if any, for the future of Cablelink; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4689/98]
Written Answers - Cablelink Development.
Emmet Stagg
Ceist:121 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will make available the report she received from Telecom Éireann on the future development of Cablelink. [4516/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 121 together.
In December last I received from Telecom Éireann its proposals in regard to the future development of Cablelink and I am considering them carefully.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as I have indicated to the House in replying to previous questions on this subject, any decision on the future of Cablelink must be taken in consultation with Telecom Éireann's strategic partners, KPN/Telia. The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands also has an interest in respect of RTE's 25 per cent shareholding in the company.
In the context of the Government's overall policy on the information society, it is vital that the correct decision is made in terms of Cablelink's future development, particularly given the enhanced capability of cable networks to deliver interactive multimedia services, voice telephony and digital TV. In that regard the consultative process is of paramount importance.
Since receiving the proposals, I have met the management of the company, the unions representing employees in the company — SIPTU and the ATGWU — and the Communications Workers Union representing the employees in Telecom Éireann. There have also been consultations with the strategic partners.
I expect to be in a position to report shortly to the Government on a strategy for the future development of Cablelink.