Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know, but the Minister told the Dáil last night during a Private Members' debate on this issue that the Government is committed to providing transport for people. I can circulate a copy of that speech to the Senator. There is also a commitment to providing alternatives, but I hope it will not come to that. My view is that we need to have a public service bus transport company. I will work with others to ensure we have such a company. We will have the Minister, Deputy Ross, come to the House.

It is important for me as Leader of the House to say that the management and the unions in Bus Éireann will sit down and engage in conversations, talks and discussions about the future of Bus Éireann. It is not just about the people who use the bus service; it is also about the workers who work and engage in Bus Éireann every day on behalf of all of us. To be fair to them, they have taken a pay cut over the years as well. I think there needs to be a discussion and a conversation. We cannot engage in megaphone diplomacy through television, radio and the newspapers. Those involved need to sit around the table. That is the principle we need to get to.