Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy will know, there has been an ongoing discussion between my Department and the Department of Social Protection on this matter. That continues but is nearing completion. A principle has been agreed that all commercial bus operators, including Expressway, should be treated the same regarding the methodology used for compensation for participating in the scheme. As I speak, the officials in the Department of Social Protection are broadening their examination to consider other aspects of the scheme's funding arrangements. I have mentioned this to the committee and members will be aware that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and I had previously instructed our officials to examine the funding arrangements associated with the free travel scheme. It is open to all private operators to participate in the scheme, as members will know, and I encourage them to do so.

I would emphasise that the decisions on the funding of allocations will be made as part of budget 2018. Interdepartmental meetings are ongoing on the matter and will continue. There is a meeting on this scheduled in two weeks. The committee should be aware that on PSO services, any shortfall in free travel funding is effectively made up through PSO funding and fare revenues so while there may be a shortfall from a particular source, there is no net shortfall in current overall Exchequer funding.