asked the Taoiseach in view of the serious hardship that will be caused to the public by the threatened cessation of bus services what steps the Government propose to take to deal with the situation, and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Private Notice Question. - Cessation of Bus Services.
The threatened disruption of Córas Iompair Éireann's road passenger services arises in consequence of one-day strikes, in support of a wage demand, by members of the National Busmen's Union.
This union is not affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions nor does it have access to the negotiating machinery in which other unions catering for CIE road passenger services' staffs participate.
In the light of all the circumstances it does not seem that a useful purpose would be served by the intervention of the Minister for Industry and Commerce in this situation.
The prospect of avoiding the disruption of CIE's road passenger services depends on the National Busmen's Union deciding that their members will work on a normal basis after the one-day strike which they have announced for Saturday next.
Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate, if the cessation of services occurs, whether any alternative transport arrangements will be made?
I think it would be illusory to suggest that any alternative arrangements which would minimise the public inconvenience to any substantial degree are possible. The Government, however, are considering what can be done, if the situation should develop, to reduce the public inconvenience.
How are people to get to work if there are no buses?
The Deputy has got to get it into his head that if people decide to strike, there is nothing the Government can do to stop them.
The Government are responsible for dealing with——
The Government have no power to order people to stay at work.
The Government are responsible because they failed to take the steps necessary to prevent the causes of these disputes.
That is a completely nonsensical observation.
It is entirely sensible because it shows the attitude of the Government and that they have no incomes policy and no notion of how to control industrial relations.