Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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321. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if holders of annual bus tickets with Bus Éireann will have their payments refunded for the days for which there has been no services available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16959/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Company's website has information regarding refunds due to industrial action under its "Customer Services / Bus Éireann FAQ" section. ​

As the issue raised is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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322. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to date to assist in the resolution of the strike at Bus Éireann and to address workers' concerns. [16969/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I have consistently stated that I will not dictate to management and unions about their internal issues and nor will I become involved in discussions about how the Company organises itself in terms of its work practices etc. These are issues which require agreement between management and unions.

However, in those areas where I believe it to be appropriate to act, I have acted.

- I have increased the amount of money available to fund the delivery of PSO services, including those PSO bus services delivered by Bus Éireann. Last year the Company received 21% more in PSO funding than 2015 and this year overall funding for the PSO programme has increased by a further 11%.

- I have committed toward further increases to the PSO funding programme as resources allow.

- I have instructed my Department to work with the Department of Social Protection in examining the levels of funding associated with the Free Travel Scheme; and

- I have supported the NTA in fulfilling its statutory role in assessing the transport connectivity needs of communities impacted by changes to commercial bus services.

My actions alone cannot, and will not, resolve this dispute however. Resolution will require agreement between management and unions in relation to tackling those inefficiencies which both parties have agreed exist within the Company.

I welcome the fact that both parties have accepted an invitation from the WRC to recommence discussions. I hope that all involved can use this opportunity to agree upon an acceptable and fair deal. The travelling public will expect that the parties can come to an agreement that allows for an end to this recent period of disruption to transport services.