The Minister for Transport Shane Ross has said it would not be appropriate for him to get involved in the pay dispute at Dublin Bus.

Drivers are threatening strike action after rejecting the Labour Court’s recommendation of an 8.25% rise over the next three years.

They believe they contributed to the company’s recovery and want increases in line with the recent LUAS pay award.

The National Bus and Rail Union is accusing Minister Ross of being silent on the issue, but he has said that is not the case: “No we haven’t been silent on the issue.

“What we have done is left it, so far, to the state bodies – which are actually set up to solve these industrial disputes.

“And we have asked that both parties get together and talk again and we are urging them to do so.”