Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Of the review that the Minister will carry out and his engagement with all stakeholders.

Regarding the review of the capital plan, the Minister spoke about providing an infrastructural roadmap for what the transport network will look like over the short and medium terms. I am seeking information on this, so perhaps the Minister could forward us the details.

Who are the stakeholders that will be involved in the upcoming review and talks? Bus Éireann obviously will be, and I presume that Iarnród Éireann and Dublin Bus will be as well, but who else among transport providers does the Minister intend to invite?

Regarding the Department of Social Protection and the free travel pass, the Minister stated that he had committed to working with the Minister for Social Protection on examining the level of funding for the scheme. However, he did not commit to increasing that funding.

In three months in the run-up to the dispute, it was made clear that part of the contribution to the loss making in Bus Éireann was a lack of subvention and subsidy of the free travel pass. From my recollection, I understand the figure was 46% which was far short of what it should have been. Therefore, it played its part in contributing to the financial losses of Bus Éireann.

The Minister's statement on the tree travel pass is somewhat watery. He does not give a commitment to increasing funding for it. He said he will examine it, but surely at this stage, in particular if he is holding a review and meeting all of the stakeholders, he has something more to bring to the table than a statement that he is examining the matter. I imagine the Minister has examined it already and spoken to the Department of Finance.

The Minister knows that there needs to be a drastic increase in the PSO subvention. It was part and parcel of the talks. While I acknowledge that there was an increase this year, it is minuscule. If we are to return to the subvention levels of 2008 and protect and preserve our public transport, further increases are needed. Is there any indication of that, given that the Minister is going into the review with all of the stakeholders? Does the Minister have any good news in regard to funding levels and subventions? He knows substantial amounts of money are required.