Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the months before the previous general election, plans were submitted to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The attitude was it wanted nothing that might cause any difficulty or conflict in advance of the election. That happened and there was a political hands-off before the election. It was about avoiding the cause of any hassle or difficult decisions.

In the aftermath of the election, we are, in one fell swoop, taking a sledgehammer to workers' terms and conditions. This is exactly what is happening. It is a conflict-driven approach, based on all that has happened during the past month or so.

Although the Taoiseach said the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport was in touch with the Minister for Social Protection, that is meaningless. What does it mean? The issue is that the average social protection contribution per Expressway passenger is €4.86, whereas the average fare is approximately €11.78. There is a huge gap and a contribution that could be made. There are avenues to be explored under the PSO obligations in terms of some of the routes. The changes being demanded apply to far more than just the Expressway service. They are more fundamental and broad-ranging.

Given his ideological disposition, the Minister has deliberately stood back. The other disputes were resolved because there was an upward trajectory regarding pay and conditions. This company happens to serve regional and rural Ireland, and the attitude seems to be that we can live with allowing chaos to prevail. I urge the Taoiseach to ensure that all the stakeholders get together to examine the policy issues before the industrial relations issues in order that there is a proper basis on which the industrial relations issues can be resolved.

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