State to consult CIE staff

TRANSPORT Minister Seamus Brennan will consider the views of CIE workers and management before making a final decision on the future break-up of the company, it emerged yesterday.

The minister revealed at the weekend he plans to abolish the CIE holding company, make Iarnród Eireann, Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus independent firms, and encourage competition in the transport sector.

But the National Bus and Rail Union yesterday questioned the minister's ability to proceed with his plans without first considering two new reports on the future of the national rail and bus services.