Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise for being late but I was in the Chamber participating in the marriage equality debate. The use of Facebook, Twitter and similar outlets present a huge advertising opportunity for Bus Éireann. I suggest such advertisements should be county specific. A lot of people are unaware of services and such advertising would highlight routes and existing services. The bus stops outside my office in Castlemaine and people often come into my office seeking information on bus timetables and services, which we provide. There is a great opportunity to advertise for free, which we should avail of, and also to provide information on a county basis. I suggest that before routes are axed, Bus Éireann should make an effort to maximise the number of people using those routes.

There is technology available now to conserve fuel. I know of a company in south Kerry that manufactures a device that reduces fuel consumption, a matter which I have raised at committee level. Has Bus Éireann, in an effort to reduce costs, explored reducing fuel costs? Will it do so? The price of fuel has reduced recently. I have raised this issue by tabling a parliamentary question and I have received an answer from Bus Éireann. Unfortunately, the price of fuel has increased again. The device I have mentioned can save up to 20% in fuel costs for some vehicles. Will Bus Éireann explore the option?