Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

Next Thursday, the day after what is traditionally regarded as the official launch of the tourism season, the SIPTU group of unions will hold a 24 hour stoppage affecting Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann. Does the Leader agree this is an outrageous position in which to put the travelling public and tourists coming into the country? We all know the Minister has handled the negotiations with the group of unions in an appalling way — I am sure the Leader agrees — but this is not the way to proceed. If the group of unions wants to win over converts to its argument, it should not affect the very people who every day pay bus fares in this and every other city throughout the country. Negotiations are ongoing and the unions should not be engaged in this activity at this stage. It is unfair to members of the travelling public. They are not responsible for the current mess as responsibility for that lies with the Minister and the Government.