Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not interested in implementing a policy based on being right-wing. I am interested in implementing the right policy, which is to put in place a mechanism regarding 10% of the bus routes with the sole objective of improving choice to passengers. As the Deputy is aware, under EU law we will be obliged to meet requirements regarding workers who will be affected by it. A series of rounds of discussion and structured engagement have taken place between the NTA and the bus unions on the matter. Before the summer, I wrote to the unions emphasising the importance of it, and three rounds of discussion have taken place. This is about putting in place an appropriate level of tendering to bring competitive tension into the market for the long-term benefit of everybody. Across the period of the difficulties in Irish Rail, I have made a commitment to go into the current round of budgetary negotiations and maintain subvention to the Irish Rail group, which we have not been able to do in recent years, in recognition of my respect for and understanding of the role of public transport companies. Where appropriate, we need to have a level of competitive tension for the benefit of passengers and everybody in the bus market in the long run.

See this speech in context