Transport Minister Shane Ross has rejected an accusation in the Dáil that he intervened in the negotiations between unions and management at Iarnród Éireann to reject a proposed pay increase for workers.
He was responding to questions from Fianna Fáil deputy James Lawless and Independent4Change Deputy Tommy Broughan.
Minister Ross rejected an accusation from Deputy Broughan that a proposed 2% pay increase for workers at Iarnród Éireann was vetoed by his department.
He said he shared the disappointment that the discussions broke down.
However, he insisted that he was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the company and pay disputes had to be solved by employers and staff.
He said he was disappointed that commuters face disruption.
He also rejected accusations that he had cut Public Service Obligation payments.
Minister Ross said the government believed in rail and subsidised it heavily.
He added that no decisions on rail had been made and there was no privatisation agenda.
