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

I thank the delegation for its presentation. Are there opportunities for Bus Éireann to expand its services? I know that compared with other EU countries, we provide one of the lowest rates of subvention to public transport. If the subvention continues to be reduced we will not be able to provide the routes. We must look to new areas. Will there be further job losses arising from the streamlining? Are the vehicles up to the proper standard?

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland, CTTC, the previous group which made a presentation, stated that its buses are at a very high standard. Are the Bus Éireann vehicles of very high standard? Are the buses relatively new? In the past I know Bus Éireann had a lot of older buses.

In regard to school transport, the need to provide a service that is directed at the community with children was highlighted. Is it envisaged there will be further reductions in the school routes? I do not believe a State service should be driven to balance the books at the expense of a service to people. Does Mr. Nolan see further problems arising in terms of school routes?