Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a couple of issues. I cannot paint more clearly than I have already done the need for increased funding for road maintenance for regional and local roads. The Minister does not need me to tell him about the condition of many regional and local roads throughout the State. It is high time that extra funding was provided so that communities across the State could benefit.

I refer to the Dublin Bus strike. I know the Minister knows all the ins and outs of it and that it has been eight years since Dublin Bus workers had a pay increase. He also knows that revenue, fares and passenger numbers have increased. The only people who have not benefited from the upturn are the workers. It is fair to say that the reason the strike action has escalated is because of the lack of negotiations. There is a certain responsibility on the Minister to instruct Dublin Bus management. It seems to be trying to play hardball, but it is responsible for the escalation of the strike action due to the fact that it is playing hardball and refusing to re-enter negotiations. For the sake of our public network, workers and their rights, and customers who use Dublin Bus day in and day out there is an onus on the Minister to put pressure on Dublin Bus management to sit down around the table with all of the stakeholders and come to some agreement.