Ms Anne Graham:

Yes. We have provided replacement services in some cases, for example, the Cashel to Portlaoise service. We have done this, but we are limited in what we can do by the level of funding available to us.

The Deputy asked about the integration of transport services. We have spoken at this committee before about how, as an authority, we are trying to integrate rural transport services with HSE services. The restructuring of the rural transport programme which now has 17 transport co-ordination units is providing the framework for the integration of the HSE and rural transport programme services to have more effective service provision. We are working to eliminate scenarios such as the one described by the Deputy, where two buses pull in at the same location. That is not an effective use of public transport. In many places around the country integration plans are in place. In County Donegal, for example, a much more integrated service is being provided and we want to make sure this happens throughout the country.