Bus workers just trying to eke out a living

So Myles Duffy (Letters May 14) criticises National Bus and Rail Union members because they have the temerity to actually want to maintain a standard of living.

While respecting Mr Duffy’s entitlement to hold an opinion, it is galling that every time a debate ensues about public transport the privateers come out to spin.

Exactly which part of “public service” is not understood? A bus service to those communities in the most remote parts of Ireland (as opposed to the variety of transport options available in South County Dublin) is not something that would attract those whose raison d’etre is the bottom line and where profit is king.

While acknowledging private companies have a role to play in transport provision, the Government has a responsibility to provide a service for all citizens.

A Department of Transport-commissioned report (Deloitte 2009) reflected the reality that Bus Éireann is among the lowest subsidised public transport service providers in Europe.

The imposition of a 25% reduction in state subvention since 2009 and its correlation with that company’s targeted savings is patently obvious.

Perhaps the basic tenet of Mr Duffy’s critique would be better served, if his ire was directed at those among the many facets of Irish society, whose actions have directly led to the state’s financial meltdown, rather than bus workers who are merely attempting to eke out a living for themselves and their families.

Dermot O’Leary

Asst General Secretary NBRU

Parnell Square

Dublin