Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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51. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the contingency plans he has organised in the event of a national bus strike at Bus Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14219/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Obviously any strike action impacting Bus Éireann services will inconvenience the travelling public, particularly those without alternative transport options. I am however hopeful that such an event can be avoided.

While I am obviously disappointed in relation to last week's news that the WRC-led discussions between unions and Bus Éireann adjourned without agreement, I was encouraged by public comments from both sides which focused on the potential for common ground to be found on potential efficiencies within the Company relating to work practices etc.

As the Deputy will be aware, Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes operated by Bus Éireann are provided under contract to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I am aware that the NTA are monitoring the developing situation; however, a strike will undoubtedly greatly inconvenience the travelling public. Of course any loss of contracted service will also mean Bus Éireann is liable for financial penalties to be applied to it.

Outside of its PSO contracted routes Bus Éireann also operates on commercial routes through its Expressway service. On the majority of these services, Expressway operates in competition with other operators on some or all of a particular route. Obviously therefore in the event of strike action in Expressway, a significant number of the travelling public will have other transport options available.

I think it clear that a strike is in nobody's interests - neither the Company, employees or the travelling public. I urge both the Company and its trade unions to engage in realistic negotiations with a view to urgently resolving this situation.