Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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242. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that there is no reduction in Bus Éireann Expressway services in view of the importance of these services for rural Ireland; the measures he will introduce to support these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann is developing plans to address its financial position. The Company is currently loss-making and these losses are not sustainable.

Last week I met with the Chair of the Company who briefed me on the very serious situation the Company faces and how the Board is resolved to address the situation and to restore the company to a sustainable position. The Chair indicated that an invitation would issue shortly to trade unions to commence discussions on the available options.

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 and I encourage both sides to engage constructively on the matter. 

Separately I also met with the National Transport Authority who outlined to me their powers and responsibilities in relation to the provision of public transport services. I was assured by the NTA that it will work with local communities to maintain an appropriate level of public transport connectivity in the event of any reconfiguration of existing services.