Vol. 507 No. 4
78 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if Telecom Éireann employees will be afforded the protection of section 45 of the Telecommunications Act, 1983, regarding their Civil Service status; and her views on whether these employees have in some way waived this right. [17033/99]
79 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of applications she has received from Telecom Éireann employees to be re-admitted to the Civil Service; her response in this regard; and the reason therefor. [17034/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 79 together.
Telecom Éireann was established on a statutory basis as a separate entity in 1983 and staff of the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs transferred to it on vesting day. Since then, there has been no scope for such staff to return to the Civil Service and that remains the current position. The flotation of Telecom Éireann will not change this situation. I should emphasise, however, that the provisions in the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, as amended, relating to the conditions of services and tenure of those who transferred to Telecom Éireann will remain unchanged after the flotation.
