Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 73: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on the Government's support for the sell-off of the Great Southern Hotels group by the Dublin Airport Authority; his views on whether the sale of the hotels will damage the tourism industry in the areas in which the hotels are located; the efforts he made to oppose the sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8320/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Transport his proposals in relation to the future of the Great Southern Hotels chain; when these proposals will be given effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9099/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 131 together.

The Great Southern Hotels Group, GSH, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dublin Airport Authority, DAA. In the view of the DAA, the orderly disposal of the GSH hotels, offers the best opportunity for the hotels to reach their full potential in the niche markets to which they are best suited. I share the view of the DAA that this decision is ultimately in the best interests of GSH, its employees and the communities and interests they serve and the Government has also taken note of this assessment.

The Great Southern Hotels group has now retained advisers to examine all aspects of the proposed disposal of the hotels. I understand that the executive chairman of the hotel group and the advisers, together with senior management of the group have visited all the hotels and met the staff on the difficulties being faced by GSH and the implications of the decision to dispose of the hotels. A programme will also be put in place to minimise the impact of the decision on the day-to-day business of the hotels.

I met trade union representatives from the GSH group recently to discuss their concerns relating to the future of the hotels. I understand that a meeting between the unions and the DAA is being arranged and will take place shortly to discuss the situation and the way forward.