Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The system could not operate without both public and private operators. One of its hallmarks is the co-operation between Bus Éireann and private operators where Bus Éireann's services are contracted to private operators. That is hugely important. Private enterprise is healthy for our society. If it increases competition and services and reduces costs, that is fine. In fairness to Mr. Traynor, I accept that the key for all operators, public or private, is that they should be able to use the same facilities that are owned by TII. Every operator should have access to full services. That does not happen in some places not too far from where I live and that does not make sense.