Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

With regard to bringing them closer to an agreement, I have consistently said that I will not intervene directly but I have urged them to come to the table together, which they did last week. As Deputy Fitzpatrick and everybody listening knows, there are institutions and State bodies that have the expertise, ability and enthusiasm to bring these two groups together. It would be absolutely wrong, and would play no helpful role, for me to suborn them and take their job and role, which they are paid and set up to do.

Deputy Fitzpatrick asked what I have done to resolve the situation.

I have done several things which should be able to help. I have increased the amount of PSO funding. It increased last year and it is increasing this year. I am looking for it to increase again in the coming years. I have consistently addressed the problems in rural Ireland that have been raised by many members of this committee. I have consistently said that any routes which are closed will be filled in a way that ensures no area of rural Ireland lacks connectivity. This was confirmed by the NTA here last week. I think it successfully sets a firm foundation for the two parties to meet. As I said in my opening statement, the review of the free travel funding is a necessary adjustment that probably should have been done some time ago. It will make the situation more acceptable and will make it easier to reach a settlement.