Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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44. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on plans by Bus Éireann to cut workers' pay and terms and conditions and subcontract Expressway routes to make €7 million in savings; his involvement in resolving this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32774/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As discussed at my recent meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee I am aware that Bus Éireann is considering options designed to address its significant financial losses which result from its commercial Expressway service. The formulation and progression of those plans are a matter for Bus Éireann.

I have been consistently clear since assuming office that issues relating to pay and conditions in any particular State owned company under my Department's aegis are a matter for discussion and agreement between the employer and the employees.

The Deputy is aware that Bus Éireann has engaged consultants to independently review the options available to it as it seeks to address these aforementioned losses. That process is ongoing.

In addition the Deputy is also aware that the Company has indicated its desire to discuss the Expressway issue with trade unions. I am firmly of the belief that difficult issues such as this can only be resolved through open, constructive and realistic engagement between the company and its employees.