Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Towards the end of the last Dáil, the Minister met with Clare Bus and the National Transport Authority about an ongoing dispute between them over moneys owed. Some 50 days ago, I wrote to him to outline the situation. The contract had been pulled at the last minute and Clare Bus effectively lost the tender that it had won. During those 50 days in which I have not received a reply from the Minister, those workers have effectively been laid off and somebody else has operated the route. In my letter I asked that a mediator be appointed between Clare Bus and the National Transport Authority. That has not happened yet. I ask the Minister to respond to the proposal of a mediator. If he does not accept that proposal, how does he propose to ensure justice is done for the staff of Clare Bus, particularly the drivers, who provide an excellent service right across rural County Clare and for the passengers who rely on its fleet which, unlike most others, is accessible?

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