Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegation for their presentations. Those involved in this industry face many challenges. Mr. Mullins stated that where jobs were lost as a result of members of his organisation taking over routes, consideration would be given to employment of the people concerned. This is an issue of major concern. There is concern that major companies in the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland would monopolise the industry, in terms of their taking on the more profitable routes rather than providing services to small rural villages. On the public service obligation contracts, does Mr. Mullins anticipate the council looking for a share of the fund in order to subsidise provision of services on unprofitable but essential routes? Without the subsidy, some isolated rural areas would have no service.