Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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88. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the pay claims being discussed for transport workers, considering the time since these workers received a pay rise and the number of cost cutting deals these workers agreed over the past decade, alongside the substantial cuts to transport funding by governments over the same period which had serious consequences for those working in the State's transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22485/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​I am of course aware that the three CIE subsidiary companies 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.

Each of the three companies face different yet challenging circumstances and each are operating with significant accumulated deficits.  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 as I have mentioned the companies and the trade unions are currently availing of the services of those bodies with a view to reaching agreement.