Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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107. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, In view of the serious moves and threats recently made by Irish Rail to seek an court injunction against both NBRU and SIPTU over the introduction of new rosters and schedules he or his officials were aware prior to this threat being issued that Irish Rail would proceed in this manner; if he or his officials met with or discussed this threatened legal action with Irish Rail management; if he is aware that this move is viewed most seriously by a wide spectrum of the trade union movement as a fundamental breach with normal industrial relations procedures which has the potential to lead to a very serious dispute and is seen as another attempt to use the courts to discipline workers engaged in legitimate and legal action; and if he will assure Dáil Éireann that he has neither encouraged Irish Rail in this drastic action nor supports moves which seek to criminalise or hamper the workings of trade unions in rightfully seeking to represent their members interests. [8521/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​The Deputy is aware that industrial relations issues are a matter for the relevant employer and its employees and it is not an area in which I have a direct function.

My Department receives regular updates from the various State companies under its aegis, including Iarnród Éireann. In this context, Iarnród Éireann  informed the Department of emerging issues in respect of the operation of in-cab training for certain drivers and of its intended approach in relation to alleged unofficial industrial action.  Correspondence from the company to two unions about alleged unofficial industrial action was copied to the Department after it was issued. I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that industrial relations should always be conducted within the framework of the Industrial Relations legislation. It is my view that industrial relations issues are best resolved through on-going dialogue and the State's industrial relations bodies are available to the parties if required.