Mr. Paddy Doherty:

On the question of the protection of network, Dublin Bus now has a new arrangement involving a contract with the NTA for the PSO element of our operation, which is 95% of the operation. Under the contract, a new arrangement is being put in place this year, which is a very welcome and positive development. From June 2013, we will look at the service profile, demand, anticipated revenue, fares and expenditure. We look at the situation in the round as regards the operation of the service next year and what the requirements for everyone will be to ensure that people in Dublin get a service which matches the demand and developments taking place. The subvention debate, the level of service and the growth in the market will be addressed in that context. That is a positive development in so far it brings all the issues together in the round for us to deal with together. As the months pass, we will get clarity about our plans for next year and subsequent years. That is a positive development.

Privatising routes is a decision for Government and the NTA. It is not a decision for us. We have made submissions and there was one consultation by the NTA last year. Another formal consultation will begin some time towards the end of this year. In both of those cases, we will be making submissions. I have no doubt the NTA in its consideration of it will take account of what is happening in Europe, where there has not been a great expansion of tendering since the new EU regulation was introduced in 2007. I have no doubt it will also take account of the comparison with the finances in London and the rest of the UK, which do not show any great pot of gold in this area. I am sure it will consider all of that but we will be making submissions to it at the end of the year. We have done so already. Ultimately, it will be a matter for Government to decide where this goes.