Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their constructive responses. I welcome this afternoon's announcement that both parties have accepted an invitation from the WRC to recommence discussions. I hope that they can use this opportunity to agree an acceptable and fair deal. The travelling public in particular will expect that the parties can come to an agreement that allows for an end to this recent period of disruption to transport services.

The core of the dispute relates to how Bus Éireann organises itself and uses its people and resources to deliver the services that it provides. Management and unions agree that there are inefficiencies in that organisation and use of people and resources and that improvements are possible. This is the basis for agreement. These issues are fundamental to resolving the dispute. Most importantly, they can only be resolved by those parties with real insight into the impact they have on the company and its finances, namely, the management and unions.

I do not assume that these reconvened discussions will be easy for either party. There will be a need for flexibility and compromise, but the dispute will only be resolved at these discussions and nowhere else. I am aware of the calls of some for ministerial intervention. Interestingly, I have heard trade union representatives making it clear that they see no role for a Minister in industrial relations negotiations. I suggest that the House might be better served by heeding that insight.

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