Written answers

Tuesday, 30 May 2006

Department of Transport

Commercial State Companies

8:00 pm

Photo of Pádraic McCormackPádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Transport the provision being made in the proposed sale of the Corrib Great Southern Hotel, Galway and the Great Southern Hotel, Eyre Square, Galway in order that the hotels continue as hotels; and the action he proposes to take to ensure that the staff enjoy continuous employment after the sale of the hotels. [20419/06]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I have stated previously in this House, decisions in relation to the sale of the Great Southern Hotels (GSH) are a matter for the Boards of Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and the GSH and I have no function in the matter. The view of the Dublin Airport Authority (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 professional advisers to advise on all aspects of the sale process. 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 advisers, 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 advisers 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 hotels were advertised for sale by public tender on 17 May 2006 with a closing date for receipt of tenders set for 23 June 2006.

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