Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We need to get the figures first. The point being made is that a cost-benefit analysis was not done in this regard before deciding to put them out to tender.

We need to interrogate the claim that it will benefit consumers. Is the Minister saying the prices will go down? Generally, what happens is that routes that are not so well populated lose out and that is not of benefit to the consumer overall.

Lastly, the Minister might explain what he meant. I took it down as I have a bit of shorthand. The Minister stated this €3 million was for a cashflow issue while there is a gap in revenue. The Minister stated it was not to help the private company. I did not understand what was meant by a cashflow issue while there is a gap in revenue.