Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

997. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on recent meetings held with workers and trade union representations in the public transport campaigns regarding the proposed privatisation tendering of some bus routes. [49743/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Neither Dublin Bus nor Bus Éireann are being privatised.  However, the direct award contracts for the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus market services held by the two companies expired at the end of November 2014.  The awarding of subsequent contracts is the statutory responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA). All Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes have been included in the new five year direct award contracts between the companies and the NTA for the period to end of November 2019.  The NTA announced that 10% of publicly subvented bus services will only remain within the direct award contract until the end of 2016 after which they will be operated under separate contracts that will have been competitively tendered.

At their request, I met with SIPTU, NBRU and TSSA bus unions on 15 December, 2014 during which the opening up of 10% of the bus market to competitive tender was discussed.  

At that meeting I reiterated my commitment to supporting a well-funded public transport system into the future, recognising the vital role it plays in our economy and society generally. I pointed to my pledge to avoid further reductions in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding and ensured that in Budget 2015 PSO funding for bus and rail services was maintained at current levels.  This is the first time this has happened since 2008.  I also recently secured €110 million for public transport as part of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.  

However, I believe that this level of support should be given in conjunction with an appropriate degree of competitive tension within the market, in the interests of quality and cost effective bus services for users.  This is why I am committed to the tendering of 10% of bus routes.  Furthermore, I believe that the engagements with trade unions being facilitated by the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) are the appropriate forum for the further discussion of specific issues relating to the implementation of this policy.