Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has become the classic example of poacher turned gamekeeper. The Minister was an outspoken shareholder at many annual general meetings throughout the city of Dublin but here he is, the State shareholder in Bus Éireann. He should demonstrate more interaction in the company's affairs. As late as last night, the Minister indicated that if anything went wrong with Bus Éireann, there is the opportunity for the void to be filled by other transport operators. I am concerned that the Minister is pre-empting some of the discussions by stating that if Bus Éireann falls down in the provision of some services, other operators are ready to step in. Is the Minister comfortable in standing back and making such a statement?