Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very difficult for me to answer questions in the detail for which Deputies are asking without it being interpreted as an intervention in the current situation. As a Deputy said, I will not produce a cheque book. Both sides in the dispute have to believe that. It will not help the situation if people try to draw the Minister into a battle with which he will not engage.

For me to comment on some of the issues raised by the Deputies will, I know, be interpreted as being involved in one way or another. I will not say any more than I have already said in answer to questions about the dispute, except that I urge both parties to get together. They cannot expect me in a public or private forum to be some sort of sugar daddy who will rescue either of them from a difficult situation.

That is not my role. I am a shareholder. This dispute is between themselves. If I have to repeat that, I will do so. The State is not going to burden the taxpayer with an industrial dispute. I am sorry I have to say that again.