JENNY Gilruth slated the Tories in the Holyrood chamber as she was accused of not holding herself accountable for the cuts to ScotRail services.
Liam Kerr asked the Transport Minister whether she understood concerns from some people that by "refusing" to step into the negotiations between ScotRail and union Aslef, she was "abdicating her accountability".
A third of rail services remain cut in Scotland following an ongoing row over pay which has seen a temporary timetable introduced across the country. Train drivers are refusing to work overtime and on rest days.
But Gilruth was furious at the accusation and put up an emotional defence as she outlined her consistent presence in the chamber in recent weeks when questions have been asked about ScotRail.
She said: "I am accountable. I am here today answering an urgent question, I was here yesterday answering topical questions, I was here the week before answering a question on rail and the week before that. He has absolute accountability.
"It would not be appropriate for me to be in the negotiating room. No ministers are ever in the negotiating room."
Gilruth's heated response caused a stir in the chamber which saw the deputy presiding officer have to shout "minister" several times and ask for calm among members.
Scotland’s train services are set to be thrown into further chaos soon as thousands of Network Rail workers announced they will stage strike action later this month.
Members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 13 train operators, including those in Scotland, will walk out on June 21, 23 and 25.
The union said it will be the biggest strike on the railways since 1989.
Union members voted overwhelmingly for action last month in growing rows over pay and job losses.
