Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

731. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will appoint a respected intermediary to bring the parties involved in the Bus Éireann dispute together for mediation and suspension of the current industrial action; the measures he is taking to assist in bringing about a just solution for the 2,600 workers involved and for an agreement to end the strike action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17521/17]

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

735. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with Bus Éireann staff in counties Cavan and Monaghan regarding the resolution of the ongoing strike; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17560/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 and 735 together.

I am of course disappointed that an  intensive series of WRC discussions have ended today without agreement on the Bus Eireann dispute. I am aware that issues have now  been referred to the Labour Court and both sides will now engage with the Court as it seeks to resolve the outstanding issues. I hope we will see an acceptable and fair deal emerge and that the disruption to people's travel arrangements will end as soon as possible.

I have consistently stated that I will not intervene in areas where Ministerial intervention is not appropriate and I am clear that negotiations relating to the internal organisation of a company is such an area.

However, I have acted in areas where I believe it to be appropriate to do so. I have increased the amount of funding available for socially necessary, but financially unviable PSO services and I have committed toward further increasing that funding as resources allow. I have instructed my officials to work with the Department of Social Protection in examining the funding associated with the Free Travel Scheme and I expect a satisfactory conclusion to that examination. I have assured rural Ireland that the NTA has the statutory powers and resources required to ensure transport connectivity is maintained where commercial bus services are altered. I have invited members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee to submit their views on the commercial bus licensing system and stated my willingness to consider amending current legislation in cases where improvements can be identified. I have stated I am open to meeting all relevant stakeholders on issues relating to public transport.