andMr. P. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the uneasiness amongst bus conductors resulting from the non-provision of compensation for them in the Transport Bill, 1964; if he will inquire from CIE if they are to continue redundancy of bus conductors; and, if so, what compensation measures will be available to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Redundant Bus Conductors.
13.
I would refer the Deputy to my speech on the Second Stage of the Transport Bill, 1964 (vol. 209. cols. 1735-1763 of the Official Report) in which I dealt comprehensively with the question of redundancy compensation for CIE employees.
But there is, in fact, no redundancy compensation for bus conductors?
There is none to be paid by the State. It is a matter for agreement between the company and the union.
There is no provision for it in the Bill?
No; there is no provision for it in the Bill.
May I take it from what the Minister says it is anticipated arrangements will be made by the company, after suitable negotiations with the union representing the men, to provide for such redundancy compensation, where the necessity for it exists?
That would be the case. The company already have an agreement with the union on various matters, which include compensation in certain circumstances. However, the question whether the company wish to proceed on that basis or to effect changes in organisation by wastage or by other methods, of course, is a different matter.
Arrangements by wastage, and so forth, could avert redundancy, which would be the ideal result, but in the event of redundancy occurring, I take it this category of employee of CIE may look forward with confidence to fair and reasonable provision being made for such as may become redundant?
That would be the case. In the case of CIE, arrangements of that kind have always been made and they will be made in the light of the general economic position and what can be done to achieve redundancy and, at the same time, to secure economy.
Surely the Minister does not suggest there is ample financial provision to ensure that these redundant bus conductors will in fact be compensated?
It is only natural that if bus conductors are made redundant, economies will result therefrom but it is a matter for CIE and the union to work out an arrangement which will satisfy both sides.
If CIE have not the money, it will not be possible——
Why would they not have the money?
With the £2 million subsidy, it would not be possible to provide compensation.
That is a matter of opinion. Arrangements in regard to compensation have been worked out, taking all reasonable assumptions into account.