Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. I wish to once again nail the privatisation myth that he seems to peddle as some sort of mantra for his troops. Perhaps he has not heard what I have repeatedly said in this House and in joint committees, namely, that I am not pursuing the privatisation route in Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus.

That is not the intention. The problems of funding, which the Deputy correctly highlighted, will have to be addressed. There are ones which we share in common. They will be addressed effectively. It is very difficult to address such problems when there is an industrial dispute threatening and, as the Deputy said, despite the fact that passenger numbers are rising, thank God, but the company still finds itself in a critical situation. I will be addressing those problems, not under the threat of any industrial difficulties which we have but in the long term. The problems are and will be addressed.

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