Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Graham and Mr. Murphy and thank them for their presentation. This morning we have had the benefit of hearing observations by the transport sector, both private and public. The focus of the National Transport Authority, NTA, is on the consumer and the State. To that extent we have heard claims by both sides, some of them contradictory. The first one, the transfer of undertaking, has been addressed, which I welcome.

The private sector claims that it can provide the service more cheaply. Could Mr. Murphy give us an insight on the matter from his experience and from information from other jurisdictions? While the service might be provided more cheaply by one side than another, will additional costs have to be borne by the State?

I asked questions previously on the potential for the disjointing of the network. That is a concern that gets raised with us. Bus Éireann probably put that forward clearly enough. Could Mr. Murphy elaborate on the issue? Is it possible to retain the complex and sophisticated existing network with bundles of the service privatised? In such a scenario, would the NTA manage the network or would it be expected that the existing network operator would have the role?

Do private contractors have to take on staff at the same rate? Is it an undue burden that they have to carry in the event that they are in a position to provide better value and from their perspective a better service?