Minister warns CIE management and workers to conclude cost cutting talks

on 07/12/2012 11:49:12

Leo Varadkar says management and workers at Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus need to conclude cost cutting talks within weeks.

The Transport Minister is putting legislation through the Dáil to allow the CIE group of companies to almost triple their borrowing limits to €300m.

CIE has racked up a loss of €137m over the past three years because of falling passenger numbers.

Minister Varadkar says it is necessary for workers and management at the bus companies to reach agreement on cutting costs now.

"In this regard, I'm very concerned that the current negotiations between management and unions at the two buses are concluded as soon as possible.

"In view of the difficult financial circumstances at CIE and the need to finalise their planning for 2013, it is imperative that an end is brought to these discussions in the next few weeks."

In an unusual move, meanwhile, Varadkar has demanded the presence of Opposition TDs in the Dáil.

He called a quorum after noticing that not a single member of the Opposition was present for legislation to increase CIE's borrowing limits.

Normally Opposition TDs call a quorum to ensure more members of the Government are present.