Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Murphy. He outlined his qualifications and work experience in his presentation. From his previous work experience in logistics it is evident that he is qualified for the position. Much of the work in delivering a bus service is unseen. Consumers have very little idea of the amount of work that goes into ensuring the bus arrives on time.

Mr. Murphy has stated that his focus has to be on delivering a safe, sustainable and competitive cost base with increased operational efficiencies. He has identified the challenges as the public service obligation, PSO, and the school transport service.

I wish to focus on how Bus Éireann will deal with the challenges of increasing fares. Mr. Murphy's position is the public face of Bus Éireann, but in his drive to achieve efficiencies and competitiveness, issues such as fare increases and industrial relations are in the mix. How does he propose to deal effectively with the company, the executive, unions and the public in delivering a service?