Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017
71. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to protect and safeguard the jobs, wages and conditions of Bus Éireann workers who are being targeted to bear the brunt of the problems at the company which are not of their creation. [6032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann is developing plans to address its financial position. The Company is currently loss-making and these losses are not sustainable.
In developing its plans, the Company is seeking to ensure a sustainable future for it in the years ahead; however, those plans remain under development and the company are seeking to engage with its employees on its proposals to secure the company's future.
I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through constructive and realistic discussions between the company and its employees and I encourage both sides to engage on the matter.
I do not doubt that those discussions will be difficult; however, it is obvious they must occur. As I clarified to the Joint Oireachtas Committee last week I believe those discussions should commence on the basis of "no pre-conditions" from both sides and if uncertainty exists as regards that basis then I would urge both parties to clarify their position.
