COMMUNICATIONS Workers Union general secretary, Mr David Begg has expressed concern at the Government's apparent over emphasis" on the amount of cash it will receive from the sale of 35 per cent of Telecom Eireann.

In a statement last night, Mr Begg said that other issues such as technology transfers, access to foreign markets and the development of the telecommunications infrastructure were the real key to the success of a strategic alliance.

The CWU is concerned that the principal focus of the debate so far has been on getting as much money as possible for 35 per cent of Telecom. The exchange of equity for a high cash payment is not what Telecom Eireann of Ireland needs, Mr Begg said.