Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Hernan mentioned that we have a very geographically dispersed population but 50% of the population resides in about three counties. In certain ways we have a very skewed population dispersal, more so than Britain would have. It would have a far more balanced dispersal than we would have. We as elected representatives are hearing reports of there being a dearth of services in many regional towns and villages. Many towns have only one service leaving early in the morning and one returning late at night. We have also heard reports of bus breakdowns, buses being very late, being full or not being able to provide access to people with disabilities on a regular basis. Mr. Hernan used the phrase "available funding resources". That is a key element. That is not in his gift but it is a key determinant of whether this service works for people locally.

With regard to Expressway services, I hear that other private competitors do not always accept the passengers with a travel pass. Is that correct?