Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister assumed office on 6 May last, at which time he was made aware of the difficulties facing Bus Éireann. The Minister has claimed credit for securing an extra PSO but he has done nothing to address the issue of funding within the CIE group. He has not explained why Bus Éireann is paid a lower subvention than Dublin Bus or Irish Rail and he has done nothing about the employment conditions for workers within Bus Éireann or the transport industry generally despite the wish of this House that a sectoral employment order be established. The Minister, in his contribution, did not recognise the damage the strike is doing to regional cities and towns across the country.

Towns and cities that should be at the core of the retail business are being absolutely decimated. The Minister has done nothing to recognise that over 2,000 staff and their families have not been paid for 12 days because they are fighting for their rights. It is time for the Minister to wake up and smell the coffee in Stepaside and other parts of the country. He is standing by while our transport system comes to a halt. He needs to get to work.

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