Fine Gael's Olivia Mitchell has warned that taxpayers must not end up footing the bill for today's no fares protest organised by CIE workers.

Tánaiste Mary Harney has said taxpayers will have to pay for the estimated €1m loss that today's "no fares" protest will cause.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has criticised CIE unions and workers for embarking on their "no fares" protest today.

Workers in Bus Eireann, Iarnrod Eireann and Dublin Bus are refusing to collect fares from passengers today as part of their campaign against the Government's plans to break up CIE and privatise 25% of Dublin Bus services.