Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witness for the opening statement. Much of what I was going to ask has been covered. What is the effect of the loss of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann routes on the business? Does Ms Ross intend to take on the privatisation agenda? It is fair to say it is possibly the biggest threat facing the public transport network so what is her opinion on that? Has she had meetings with the Minister or the National Transport Authority about it? We know the tendering process is private and there is only limited information that we can get in that regard. It is predictable that lucrative routes are going to private operators and Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in particular have been left with those which are least profitable.

What do the witnesses think about the public service obligation, PSO, funding not being increased to what has been required over the years and the problems or other effects of that? Deputy Troy mentioned CIÉ funding and the legal opinion from unions but the response was not clear. It was indicated that CIÉ committed to funding of up to €30,000 but that is nowhere near sufficient, given recent developments. I am seeking Ms Ross and the chief executive officer to give a commitment to provide that funding for the legal opinion and not put a limit on it. I would greatly appreciate it if the witnesses would confirm that.