CHANGES in the employee representation on the board of Telecom Eireann were approved by a vote. They arose from the decision to set up a strategic alliance between Telecom and the KPN/Telia consortium, the Minister of State for Communications, Mr Emmet Stagg, said.

There would be seven members, including the chairman and chief executive, appointed by the Minister; three appointed by the strategic partner, and four employee representatives, two with voting power.

The restructuring of the board would take place as soon as the strategic alliance transaction was concluded. The Government had sought to preserve the State's effective control while giving representation to the strategic partner.

The Fianna Fail spokesman on communications, Mr Seamus Brennan, said the 12,000 employees in Telecom had been sold out, particularly by the left-wing element in the Government. "I am amazed at the absolute silence from that part of the Government on the issue." The workers had gone from having one-third to one-sixth of board seats.

Mr Robert Molloy (PD, Galway West) said it was a tragedy to see such a national asset being sold off at under its value.

A motion approving the changes was passed by 72 votes to 53.