Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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175. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the situation in Irish Rail and Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33102/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The issues in both companies are separate and must be treated as such by all relevant stakeholders.

I am aware that the Labour Court has been asked to consider issues relating to pay in Bus Éireann and aspects of certain working conditions in Iarnród Éireann, while other issues have formed part of previous discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission.

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.

In addition to the above, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Irish Rail recently submitted the 2016 Rail Review to me.  This Review examines the funding parameters required to support our rail network now and into the future, as well as identifying potential for future growth. I have already stated that I will bring the report to cabinet  and then immediately arrange for its publication and commencement of a publication process to be conducted by the National Transport Authority. I intend to do so next week.

The Deputy is also no doubt aware that Bus Éireann's Expressway service is loss-making and that the company has engaged consultants to independently review the options available to it as it seeks to address these losses. That process is on-going.  The Company has previously indicated its desire to discuss the Expressway issue with trade unions and 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.