Mr. Robert Watt:

In the first instance it is an issue for management and employees' representatives in Bord Gáis Éireann. I understand discussions are taking place on this and a number of issues pertaining to the sale and what is happening. I have been briefed by the chair of the company and the Minister will be kept informed on what is happening. At this stage we do not have a role. We may have one but we do not do so at present. It is an issue for the management and the representatives of the employees to discuss these issues and tease them out. It depends on the outcome of the process. We will see where we end up with the disposal and where the assets may end up and it will then become an issue for the employees with regard to how they are treated and where they go. This is a matter for management in the company and representatives and we do not have anything to add. I understand transfer of undertakings will also apply in this case and I do not see a reason they would not. It is not, at this stage, an issue for the Department; it is an issue for the employees and the management.