John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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605. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action he plans to take to deal with the ongoing financial difficulties at Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3113/17]

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. The Company's difficulties stem from its commercial Expressway services which are not subsidised by the taxpayer and operate in competition with other non-subsidised operators. Recently 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. Last week the Company issued an invitation to trade unions to commence discussions on the available options. Bus Éireann faces a difficult situation and the discussions which the Company has invited trade unions to commence will require consideration of a range of difficult issues.

I am however 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.