David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What is the role of the Department in relation to policy? My understanding is that Bus Éireann has presented the Department with three reform plans in recent years. Why would it submit such plans to the Department? When we to try to hold the Minister to account on any of these issues, he says they are matters for the NTA or Bus Éireann but not for the Department. Policy is driven by the Department. There must be a reason that Bus Éireann presents its plans to the Department. Can Mr. Doyle confirm that Bus Éireann has submitted reform plans? What was the Department's response to the reform plans that were submitted by Bus Éireann? Am I correct in my understanding that three reform plans were submitted? How did the Department respond to each individual specific plan?