Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

I thank the Deputy for his comments. Irish Rail engaged in very detailed negotiations with unions and I am pleased the ballot was passed and the negotiations concluded in a satisfactory way. There are ongoing negotiations with the representatives of staff in Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus which preclude me from commenting in detail on the outcome. I am enthusiastic about the co-operation being shown by all parties in these negotiations in very difficult times. The management and unions working together should be welcomed and endorsed because of their position and the statistics I outlined earlier.

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