Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is important to say we should not have unofficial action, but it is also important not to characterise all trade union activity on the basis that there was unofficial action. The unofficial action is atypical of the reaction of organised workers to such issues. Unofficial action should be avoided at all costs and in all circumstances. There is competition on commercial routes. It is intended that any new PSO routes from December onwards will be open to competition in a regulated, sensible way which will maintain quality and access to services for people, provide choice and will not put at risk the significant investment in public transport services. This investment has improved the product and provision of services to bus and train passengers. That is the approach that must be taken.

I hold no brief for unofficial action. It is unfair on commuters and on those who wish to attend for work, to get on with their business in accordance with the established procedures and who follow their unions' position on acceptance and implementation of a labour court recommendation. This recommendation is about resolving an important financial problem to the tune of more than €30 million in deficit for that company were that Labour Court recommendation not implemented. Let us make a differentiation. Those who were involved in unofficial action were wrong. It is not the way to proceed. It causes great inconvenience to commuters and is not in line with best industrial practice. It undermines the purpose and reason there should be active engagement between workers and their representatives and management. It should not be categorised as a generality, although I agree it has consequences way beyond what was merited in the first instance and should not have occurred. We are in the process of ensuring we bring forward competition on routes in a way that will enhance the service for the commuter in a regulated and sensible manner.

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