Written answers

Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Public Transport Initiatives

Photo of Brendan  RyanBrendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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35. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress which has been made towards the establishment of a public transport stakeholder dialogue as per the Labour Court recommendation arising from the Bus Éireann dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29982/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The Deputy is aware that I am committed to a dialogue with all public transport stakeholders in order to advance the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to start a review of public transport policy.

I believe that this broad dialogue will allow for all stakeholders, including trade unions, a chance to inform the development of public transport policy in Ireland.  I look forward to that dialogue and the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Preparations for the dialogue are at an early stage and I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that there will a considerable level of organisation and scheduling required if we are to have the type of meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas that I think we all want. 

In advance of this dialogue, I have invited representatives of all CIÉ trade unions, as well as ICTU, to meet with me and explain their issues of concern as expressed in recent months. Invitations issued last week and the meeting will take place in early July.  I believe this meeting will provide unions with an opportunity to voice their views to me directly in relation to any issues of policy concern they might have.

I think the type of dialogue with stakeholders that I am about to initiate comes at an important time in terms of how we want to shape our public transport services. There are a number of important initiatives underway which will directly impact and influence the development of public transport in future years. I think it opportune that all those with an interest in public transport are given an opportuntity to voice their views and ideas for the future.

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