Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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71. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had any involvement in the ongoing industrial dispute at Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43844/21]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 124 together.

At the outset, I must emphasise that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives.

For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.

These bodies are independent in the delivery of their quasi-judicial functions, in which I as Minister have no role. This approach has served Ireland well over the years and in a large number of high-profile disputes. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene or engage in industrial relations disputes including the dispute mentioned by the Deputy in this question.

I would like to emphasise the need for workers and employers to make every effort to reach a resolution. The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution. This will ensure a positive outcome for the employees, the company and the customers of the company