merrion street

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD, noted the Labour Court recommendation in relation to the Bus Éireann dispute and stated –

“On behalf of the travelling public, I am pleased that Bus Éireann services are returning to normal and people can now plan their travel arrangements this Easter weekend. I have no doubt the return to services will be particularly welcome in rural Ireland and in our regional cities which have been severely impacted by the disruptions of recent weeks.

I would like to thank the Trade Unions, Management, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission for their hard work in what has been a period of intense discussions for all parties.

I hope that the Recommendation will provide the basis for a lasting agreement between the company and its employees and will ensure a successful future for Bus Éireann.

As mentioned by the Labour Court I wish to restate my offer to set up a forum for all stakeholders once the industrial dispute is concluded.

I will establish a Public Transport Stakeholder Dialogue in order to advance the commitment within the Programme for a Partnership Government to instigate a review of public transport policy. In the coming weeks I will announce further details.

Ahead of that formal process, as soon as this dispute is fully resolved, I am happy to meet with trade unions to discuss issues of concern and look forward to their participation in the Public Transport Stakeholder Dialogue."