Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by management or unions at Bus Éireann on current cost-cutting proposals for jobs, services and fleets at the national bus company; his views on the impact of such cost-cutting proposals on services for commuters particularly on carriage routes linking towns and villages on the national Bus Éireann network and for the jobs of public transport workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45873/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I have been briefed by Bus Éireann management on the deterioration in its financial position due in the main to declining demand and revenue and increased costs, and on the measures necessary to maintain its financial viability. Earlier this year, in February, I was also briefed by the unions on the issues involved.

Decisions in relation to service rationalisations are a matter for the company itself. I understand that the Labour Court recently issued a recommendation relating to Bus Éireann's cost recovery plans and that this recommendation is now under consideration by the parties concerned.

Every effort should be made by all involved to maintain services to the maximum extent possible and to ensure the financial viability of the company.