Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have intervened where I believe it to be appropriate for me as Minister to do so. I have intervened to secure increased funding for those socially necessary but financially non-viable PSO services. Bus Éireann benefitted from that increase last year and will benefit again this year. I have intervened to state publicly my commitment to increasing that PSO allocation in future budgets as resources allow. I have intervened to ensure that the funding arrangements for the free travel scheme are examined to ensure equity and transparency across commercially licensed bus operators. This examination is almost complete and the issue will be resolved satisfactorily. I have assured rural Ireland that the NTA has the powers and resources necessary to ensure that transport connectivity is maintained when commercial bus services are altered. That assurance has taken a tangible form in the NTA's response to recent Expressway changes with increased PSO services and amended rural transport services being provided.

I have stated that I am willing to consider any amendments to the commercial bus licensing system that my Department might recommend. I have shared a copy of an NTA report on the licensing system with the joint Oireachtas committee and invited it to make its own submission. I have also confirmed my willingness to meet with all stakeholders on transport policy issues, but quite reasonably have also stated that those meetings cannot take place against a backdrop of industrial action or the threat of such action. To say there has been no ministerial intervention is wrong. I will reiterate what has been my position from the start. I will not intervene in areas where it is not appropriate for a Minister to intervene. I will not dictate to management and unions an agreement that only they can craft because it relates to issues into which only they have an insight. The Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and the Labour Court are ready and able to assist both parties in coming to that agreement.

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