Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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580. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the pay claims by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers, given that they have not received a pay rise in eight years. [15871/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am aware that both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and the trade unions have been, and are currently engaged, in a number of processes facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court with a view to reaching agreement on different issues including pay. Those processes will I am sure take cognisance of the particular circumstances of each individual case.

Both companies are operating with an accumulated deficit which in 2014 totalled €47m across both companies.  It should be noted also that Bus Éireann's Expressway services operate within a highly challenging environment with resultant continued negative impacts on its overall financial position. Any agreement reached will have to take into account what is affordable and sustainable given each company's circumstances. The issue can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the companies and their employees.

Of course the State can assist where needed through the WRC and Labour Court and I am glad that both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann and the trade unions are currently availing of the services of those bodies with a view to reaching agreement.