Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
314. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will intervene in the current industrial relations dispute which has seen Bus Éireann services withdrawn across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17316/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the decision by both management and unions to accept the invitation of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to recommence discussions. As I have repeatedly stated, the appropriate forum for resolution of this dispute is the WRC, assisted if required by the Labour Court, and I hope that both parties can use this opportunity to agree upon an acceptable and fair deal.
The Deputy is aware that I have consistently stated that I will not intervene in areas where Ministerial intervention is not appropriate and I am clear that negotiations relating to the internal organisation of a company is such an area.
However, I have acted in areas where I believe it to be appropriate to do so. I have increased the amount of funding available for socially necessary, but financially unviable PSO services and I have committed toward further increasing that funding as resources allow. I have instructed my Department to work with the Department of Social Protection in examining the funding associated with the Free Travel Scheme and I expect a satisfactory conclusion to that examination. I have assured rural Ireland that the NTA has the statutory powers and resources required to ensure transport connectivity is maintained where commercial bus services are altered. I have invited members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee to submit their views on the commercial bus licensing system and stated my willingness to consider amending current legislation in cases where improvements can be identified. I have stated I am open to meeting all relevant stakeholders on issues relating to public transport.
My actions alone will not resolve this situation. Resolution will only be possible through both management and unions agreeing upon an acceptable and fair deal and I hope that their discussions, facilitated by the WRC, will result in such a deal and that the ongoing disruption to transport services ends.
