Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Transport has certainly trumped sport but it was a throw-away remark and that was a fair question. On the issue of how policy will influence Government and the issue of subventions, I am happy to talk in a constructive way to all the parties involved after this is over, but not beforehand. I have increased subventions in the past year and they were increased the year before. They did fall very rapidly in the period after 2008 and 2009. I am committed to increasing them every year if possible and we are looking for increased subventions again this year. I have said that before but if it gives any reassurance to people about the positive direction we see the transport companies going in, we intend as a Government to continue to increase subventions. That is Government policy.