National Transport Authority Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2016

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Questions (69)

Bríd Smith

Question:

69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tendering process for public bus routes will take account of the record of a company in upholding labour law, in its obligations to its workforce and in conducting negotiations with its workforce on pay and conditions, prior to the awarding of any contracts (details supplied); and if he will ensure that the National Transport Authority or any other agency responsible for awarding these contracts is seen to acknowledge the importance of any company tendering for State contracts upholding labour law and the standards of the State. [15605/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

It is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to conduct the current public procurement process relating to the tendering out of 10% of the PSO bus network. The NTA requires any transport operator who operates public transport services under existing contracts to it to act within the law, including relevant employment legislation.  Consistent with this approach, the forthcoming tendering process conducted by the NTA will require any transport operator who is awarded a contract to comply with relevant employment legislation.

Questions Nos. 70 and 71 answered orally.