State to consult CIE staff
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.
NBRU general secretary Liam Tobin claimed the minister has not seen the Strategic Rail Review or a review of the national bus service.
"I cannot understand how the minister can make statements about the future of CIE without first seeing these two vital reports," said Mr Tobin.
The Strategic Rail Review was ordered by former Public Enterprise Minister Mary O'Rourke last year to devise a blueprint for the future development of the service. And a commitment was given that no decision would be made about the future of the rail freight service until this review was completed, Mr Tobin said.
A second review of bus services outside Dublin will be given to the Public Transport Forum later this week. "How can we believe what the minister is saying when he is making this announcement without first seeing this major national bus review?" Mr Tobin asked.
But the minister's spokesman said the Department of Transport has already received the national bus review and the Mr Brennan is aware of its contents.
"He will discuss it in full with the members of the Public Transport Forum later this week," his spokesman added.
It is understood the Minister will consider the views of all the social partners represented at the forum including CIE unions and management - before making a final decision. Mr Brennan will receive a copy of the Strategic Rail Review before year end and take its findings into consideration, his spokesman added.
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