Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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617. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps his Department is taking regarding the Bus Éireann dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I am sure the Deputy is aware of my stated position in regard to the Bus Éireann dispute.

Last week the Workplace Relations Commission issued an invitation to both parties to commence discussions and I was pleased to see that both parties accepted that invitation. I do not doubt that the discussions between the Company and trade unions will be difficult but I encourage both parties to continue their engagement with the WRC-led process.

In recent Oireachtas statements I have clearly outlined the actions I am taking in relation to public transport. These include:

- ensuring adequately funded public transport services, as Budgetary resources allow;

- assuring rural Ireland that the National Transport Authority will ensure continued public transport connectivity; and

- reviewing, in co-operation with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection, how best to ensure a sustainable funding model for the Free Travel Scheme.