Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I am not saying that. Trains should not be stopped. The drivers should work in accordance with the agreements in place and trains should run, irrespective of what is happening at the LRC or anywhere else. No suspensions should happen or be lifted on the basis of the outcome of the LRC talks. This is an unofficial action, which should not be happening, irrespective of whether the commission is in discussions with the parties involved. The trains should be running.

With regard to my reference to suspensions, previously when such an action took place, drivers were suspended with pay but, in this instance, the drivers are deemed not to be available for work and, therefore, they are not being paid. That is a reasonable position.

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