Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted Deputy Troy has asked that question. The Deputy said I received a large number of reports. I did and I was also briefed by my officials on those reports on an almost daily basis. The Deputy's question is a fair one. I did not micro manage but I do not know off-hand how many times I have met the chairman or the chief executives of these companies but I can get that information and forward it to the Deputy. I am speaking not just about Bus Éireann but Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus as well. I have been meeting them regularly since I became aware of the problems arising, if I have not been briefed by my officials. Some of my officials are pretty fed up trotting up and down to my office because I am monitoring the situation very carefully. I have had regular reports not just from my officials but from the chairpersons of these particular bodies. That is what I have done. That is my job. It is my job to meet with them if a situation is becoming critical. As I said, I can provide the Deputy with the information. I have been talking to them on a regular basis not just in my office but by telephone. I do not accept that I am neglecting any particular form of communication. Far from it. If the Deputy asks them I am sure he will be told that I have been quite demanding about getting answers on certain issues.