Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has called on people to open their minds and try to find a solution, but he is ideologically predisposed towards not finding a solution or allowing the workers and others to come together in a meaningful forum through which they could address the underlying problems facing Bus Éireann. We all know what they are. The Minister cannot expect the company's problems to be resolved on the shoulders of its bus drivers and workers in general. A strategic plan for Bus Éireann and its national obligations must be put in place.

The Minister must become the relevant Minister. He has been irrelevant on this issue for a long time. He must now step up to the plate. He has shown that he is able to get involved in cronyism and pork barrel politics by opening up the Stepaside Garda station, but on a fundamental issue of national interest, he takes no interest. Please bring everyone together and ensure that there is a viable plan, one that does not mean that every worker must take a large pay cut to fund the company's required restructuring.

See this speech in context