The Bord Gáis Group of Unions has expressed disappointment with the Government's decision to sell Bord Gáis Energy to a consortium of private companies led by the UK based Centrica.

SIPTU Organiser and Secretary of the Bord Gáis Group of Unions, Oliver McDonagh, said: "We are disappointed that this profitable semi-state company is being sold to private interests. The first that union representatives and the workers affected knew of this deal was when it was reported in the media.

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"Assuming that a Shared Purchase Agreement is signed, Bord Gáis Energy will be divided into three companies. Firmus Energy, which is based in Northern Ireland, will be taken over by iCON infrastructure; Brookfield Renewables will own the wind power arm of the company, with Centrica Plc taking over the company's retail division.

"Workers are extremely disappointed to see the sale back on after hopes had been raised that the company would remain in public ownership. However, management and the Government have assured union representatives that the workers' terms and conditions of employment are protected under the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employees Act 2003. Assurances have also been given in relation to the creation of a Defined Benefit Pension Scheme for the workers."

(CD/JP)