Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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77. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the recent Luas drivers' industrial dispute and ongoing talks in the Labour Court between CIE and transport unions, his plans to manage public transport services should another industrial dispute take place in 2016 on the public transport services, be that rail or bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22488/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I have been consistently clear that issues relating to pay and conditions are a matter for agreement between the relevant employer and their employees. In addition, the Deputy will be aware of the important role played in recent months by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court as they have assisted and are continuing to assist the various parties in the CIE subsidiary companies in their discussions.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has a statutory role as regards the organisation and provision of public transport services. In that regard the Deputy will be aware of the efforts it made during the recent Luas industrial dispute whereby it ensured that commuters were kept informed of developments and of their transport options to assist them in their travel planning.

Obviously all efforts need to be taken to avoid industrial disputes and resulting travel disruption. Such issues should best be resolved by both parties without recourse to industrial action, assisted as appropriate,  by the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court.