Some day I am sure Senator Ó Donnghaile would like to join us.

Not at all.

I am wearing a blue shirt but that is it.

We are the real republicans over here. We take the hard decisions in Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

The Leader should act like that.

Let us get back to the business of the day because we could go down a difficult road.

Senators Conway-Walsh, Gallagher, Hopkins and Wilson raised the issue of Bus Éireann. It is a very important and serious matter that has given much concern to many people in the country who depend on Bus Éireann for transport. Members correctly identified some of the reasons people travel which include for hospital appointments, to go into the local village or to travel to visit loved ones. It is important that the talks resume. It is only through engagement that we will find a resolution to the matter. There is no hope of a resolution or a solution to the impasse unless people sit around a table and talk. Both management and unions must engage in a meaningful manner.

And the Department.

The Government is committed to engagement and to ensure we have connectivity for people in rural areas. I welcome visitors in the Visitors Gallery from Athlone who depend on bus travel and public transport. The Government is committed to that. The Minister, Deputy Ross, is aware of his role and responsibility-----

He is doing nothing.

-----and he will not be found wanting. As a trade unionist, Senator Gavan should know better than most the process that is involved. As he knows well, megaphone diplomacy or trying to score political points will not solve this issue.