Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the offer of mediation by the Labour Relations Commission in the Bus Éireann dispute. That both parties entered further discussion is to be welcomed. All sides need to work together to secure the future of services and jobs at Bus Éireann and to ensure the company's financial circumstances are brought under control. This is not easy for any side, including workers, management and unions. Great credit is due to the Labour Relations Commission for facilitating the talks between all parties. The industrial dispute has already cost the company €500,000, at a time when it is already losing €500,000 per month. Time is of the essence in bringing this dispute to a successful conclusion for the benefit of all concerned, including management, staff and customers.

Let me say a few words on the Croke Park II negotiations. I commend the progress made to date by Mr. Kieran Mulvey of the Labour Relations Commission and the various unions involved. Significant progress has been made with a number of unions. As the Government has consistently said, there is no room for manoeuvre on the fiscal arithmetic as the urgent need to achieve a saving of €300 million in 2013 remains. Mr. Kieran Mulvey, chief executive officer of the Labour Relations Commission, and all the unions involved in the Croke Park II negotiations are to be commended. I wish them continued success in their deliberations.