I have been consistently clear that issues relating to pay and conditions are a matter for agreement between the relevant employer and their employees. In addition, the Deputy will be aware of the important role played in recent months by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court as they have assisted and are continuing to assist the various parties in the CIE subsidiary companies in their discussions.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has a statutory role as regards the organisation and provision of public transport services. In that regard the Deputy will be aware of the efforts it made during the recent Luas industrial dispute whereby it ensured that commuters were kept informed of developments and of their transport options to assist them in their travel planning.
Obviously all efforts need to be taken to avoid industrial disputes and resulting travel disruption. Such issues should best be resolved by both parties without recourse to industrial action, assisted as appropriate, by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court.