Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 22 and 56 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 5 which I answered earlier.

As I already mentioned, I kept my commitment to meet with trade unions in the transport sector and we had a very useful exchange on 10 July. I recognise that trade unions have concerns about issues of policy and that those concerns deserve to be listened to. However, my position then and now is that it is not appropriate for me to be involved in industrial relations negotiations.

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 that only they have an insight into. The Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, and the Labour Court are ready and able to assist both parties in coming to that agreement.

Industrial relations and pay are a matter for the company and its employees. Pay disputes have to be solved by engagement between an employer and its staff. My hope is that both unions and the company reflect on the discussions that have taken place over the last number of months and renew engagement under the auspices of the WRC with a view to addressing the company's internal issues.

See this speech in context