Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the Great Southern Hotel group employees regarding possible redundancies and diminution of employment conditions following the privatisation of the chain; if he has met or will meet with employees to discuss these concerns; if he will reconsider the sell-off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17962/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Earlier this year the Government was informed that the board of the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) had decided to sell the Great Southern Hotels Group (GSH), a wholly owned subsidiary of the DAA. Decisions in relation to the sale of the hotels are a matter for the Boards of both bodies and I have no function in the matter. The view of the DAA is that the disposal of the GSH group offers the best opportunity for the hotels to reach their full potential in the niche markets to which they are best suited. I share DAA's view that this decision is ultimately in the best interests of GSH, its employees and the communities and interests they serve.

The GSH has retained advisors to examine and advise on all aspects of the disposal process for the hotel group. To date, the focus has been on communicating with staff and trade unions and developing an appropriate strategy for the sale of the hotels. I understand that the Executive Chairman and senior management of GSH, along with the advisors, have now visited all of the hotels and met with the staff of each hotel to discuss the issues, which led to the decision to sell the group. Meetings also continue to take place between the unions and GSH and its advisors and further discussions are planned. Early on in the process I too met with the GSH trade union representatives to discuss their concerns relating to the future of the hotels. I understand that the GSH advisors are currently finalising a marketing plan for the sale of the hotels and that the sale process will commence shortly.