Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When Mr. Mac Donncha comes in, will he address the following? We have different rates on public transport services where private contractors are subsidised to provide a service on PSO routes. Some people will pay a commercial rate on that and others will get it for free, namely, people who have the free travel pass. I accept it is a different Department and funding needs to be provided for it. However, I cannot see how there is legal uniqueness in terms of these contracts compared to those with the National Transport Authority. I accept that was not part of the original Government decision but we have heard evidence at the committee that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform would welcome a request from the Department of Rural and Community Development for it to consider providing the reduction to islanders.