Mr. Michael Taft:

I thank the Deputy. These data are 43 years out of day. Essentially, Ms O'Donoghue accepted that CIE had not been compensated. As CIE is not compensated for the free travel scheme, it must externalise the cost. This is done through higher fares, fewer services for households or depressed wages and working conditions for staff.

We propose three suggestions for the committee to consider. First, it should undertake a detailed study of the subventions to public transport and public bus services in European cities comparable to Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. In Europe, smaller cities and towns have even higher levels of subvention to support their bus services.

Second, the committee should request or even commission a new ridership survey. 1973 was a long time ago and does not form the basis of current travel patterns. Third, the committee should continue today's work and initiate a consultation process among stakeholders in public transport as to what a fully subsidised modern public transport system would look like. We commend the committee on starting already, but its consultation should extend beyond employers, employees, Government agencies, experts and academics. Though valuable as they are, the process should extend to the public itself - community and civil society groups. Everyone should have a stake in the design and implementation of public transport because it affects everyone in this city.