Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy and I am sure his views are held sincerely. I, too, acknowledge the excellent workers in Bus Éireann. Friends of mine of many years work in the company and do a fantastic job. We want to ensure the 2,500 jobs in Bus Éireann are protected at this critical point. Staff costs at the company have increased in recent years.

Bus Éireann operates three different types of service. The school bus service is operated on a cost recovery basis. The public service obligation, PSO, services are subsidised by the State on the basis that they are badly needed in areas which would not otherwise have a service. As the Expressway services are subject to competition, the State is legally precluded from subsidising them and could not throw money at them, even if it had additional funding available.

I accept that management has a significant role to play in the ongoing discussions. I have deliberately chosen not to discuss the detail of the negotiations as it would not be fair or appropriate to do so. It is imperative that both sides pull together in the coming hours and days to ensure an agreement is reached to secure the 2,500 jobs in the company. This is of critical importance to the company's customers who benefit from the fantastic service provided by Bus Éireann.

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