Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is fair enough.

Of the other two issues, the major one is Dublin Bus, particularly the ongoing dispute and the fact that strike action escalated due to the lack of negotiations. The Minister made a statement recently but he should do everything in his power to encourage all the stakeholders to get around the table. It is our public transport network.

Previous speakers raised the other issue to which I wanted to refer, namely, the matter of subvention, which has come to the fore since the Dublin bus strike action. People would argue that Dublin Bus is heavily subsidised. It is not when compared with other European countries. The service in Lyon in France receives 79% state funding, while the figure for Barcelona in Spain is 61%. Dublin receives the least amount at 27%. If we are to build, expand and deliver a first-class public transport network, that subvention needs to be increased across the board. The focus is on delivering first-class public transport. I include in that disability access on our public transport network, which I have raised previously with the Minister. That is a major bone of contention, not just for me but for every citizen across the State. People in urban and rural areas are affected in that local buses drive off and leave people at the side of the road. That is an issue which requires attention. All of that can come from increased subvention, which will allow us build, enhance and expand our public transport network. I hope the Minister has given a firm commitment to increase subvention.