Seamus Brennan
Question:86 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the instructions, if any, he has given to CIÉ regarding cost cutting. [23614/96]
Written Answers. - Cost Reductions.
No instructions have been given to CIÉ regarding cost cutting. However, my predecessor clearly and repeatedly stated the Government's view that reductions must be made in CIÉ's cost base to assure its future viability. I share this view. There is a clear onus on management and staff to use all of the available industrial relations mechanisms to arrive at agreed, workable arrangements for reducing costs and securing the future of CIÉ. In that context, the recent Labour Court recommendation provides a good basis for both sides to enter into substantive negotiations on this key issue. I would urge that they do so with the minimum of delay.
Decisions on cost reductions are the responsibility of CIE and its operating subsidiary companies and I have no function in that regard.