Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for asking the question and I will take the opportunity to again thank all Dublin Bus employees for continuing to provide an exemplary service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

I must clarify, as I did earlier to Deputy O'Rourke, that industrial relations issues in Dublin Bus, as is the case for all public transport operators, are a matter for the company, its employees and trade union groups. While my Department receives regular updates from Dublin Bus on industrial relations issues, neither I nor my Department have a direct role in, nor do we intervene in, such operational issues.

As I outlined in my earlier response to Deputy O’Rourke, Dublin Bus management continuously engages with its trade unions on various matters of common interest.

I understand from soundings during engagement with the company and from correspondence I have received, including a letter that was hand delivered to my Department following a gathering of Dublin Bus employees on the 20 August to highlight their opposition to the proposals, that the primary reason for the rejection of the proposal was the concern of drivers regarding the proposed changes to work practices.

I have been advised that both Dublin Bus management and the relevant trade union officials believe that there remains an appropriate industrial relations process to engage with and the parties confirmed that they have commenced further engagement on this matter.

I reiterate that, ultimately, all issues related to pay and productivity negotiations are a matter solely for the transport company, employees and trade unions. I urge all sides to continue their engagement with a view to reaching an acceptable agreement.

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