Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of health and safety and maximum consultation, the Government decided to implement 100% capacity on public transport at short notice the week that schools went back. No opinion was sought from NPHET. There was no consultation with public transport workers who, by the way, played a key role in guiding society through the pandemic.

However, the workers rejected the Government's instruction. They decided to keep capacity of 75%. In practice, they are allowing seats to be occupied and implementing a no-standing policy.

The way the Government handled this was an example of how things should not be done. The way the public transport workers handled it was an example of how things should be done. If there is consultation on health and safety, that is fine. If there is agreement on health and safety, that is good. If there is no agreement, then the workers must have the decisive say. As we approach 20 September, their example is one for the country as a whole. I ask for the Minister of State's comments on this.

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