Mr. Frank Allen:

The Deputy mentioned the pay cuts which were reinstated in October 2016 and asked whether workers were being made scapegoats. I do not believe they are being made scapegoats. The management of Iarnród Éireann is attempting to strike a balance between the very difficult financial position in which the company finds itself, the commitment to provide a superior quality service to passengers and staff expectations of a salary increase. What management has said is that through change management in the organisation we can find savings and the result of these changes will be superior quality service for passengers and increased salaries for staff members. That is the basis of the discussions that are taking place. It is not a question of scapegoating but one of finding ways to improve the quality of service, meet the expectations of workers and give an assurance to the Houses of the Oireachtas and others that we are achieving value for money and responding to the needs of the public. There is a way forward to do all of that but today is not the day to negotiate in the committee. Engagement is taking place at the Workplace Relations Commission and will probably take place at the Labour Court.