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

Deputy Martin is absolutely correct that previous cases of transport disputes such as those at Dublin Bus and Irish Rail have been resolved. They were resolved in the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and in the Labour Court. It was Government policy to support part of our State that had a proven track record of dealing with industrial relations issues. That approach was used in relation to previous disputes and industrial activity within the CIE group. Since it played a positive and valuable role then, that is why it is essential that the same approach be used now. Let us bear in mind the track record of the organisation the Government is supporting and which is an agency of the State. This organisation has, over the recent period, been involved in 1,400 cases of industrial activity or dispute. The WRC has played a successful role in 85% of those instances. The Deputy is right to say there have been industrial relations difficulties in the CIE group. What is missing in his analysis is the very forum and mechanism that played a role in bringing those disputes to an end, which was the Workplace Relations Commission. This is why the Government is standing behind the WRC and the Labour Court and the only forums in which this can be done again.

On the Deputy's allegations about Bus Éireann, I as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the entire Government support the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, in this and are absolutely committed to the concept and role of public transport and are absolutely committed to the viability of Bus Éireann. This is the very reason €263 million was made available in 2017 to support public bus and rail transport in the State. It is the very reason why over the past two years we have seen an increase in excess of 10% in the support put in by the taxpayer to the CIE group to support public transport and the sustainability of Bus Éireann which we know plays a vital role in allowing communities outside of Dublin to have access to their places of work and study.

It is because the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission have played a leading role in dealing with industrial relations difficulties in the CIE group that they are the only forums within which this issue can now be dealt with.

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