Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on a proposed employee share ownership plan for Bord Gáis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8204/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Government policy on employee share ownership schemes in State companies is clear. It allows for the ownership of up to 5% of a company subject to a per capita cash value ceiling in return for specific, substantial, verifiable changes to be delivered by employees. The changes must give value to the company and shareholder for which there is no other compensation to the employees.

It is a matter for a company to put forward a proposal to implement the policy. My predecessors and I have had discussions from time to time with staff interests and made it clear that the Government is open to an appropriate proposal.