Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

No, it is fine. I wanted to come in first because that is the crux of the matter. The NTA, to a greater or lesser extent, funds operations, although not so much in the case of Go-Ahead Ireland. The State funds Bus Éireann and other companies. On one side, the NTA is trying to get more drivers, while, on the other side, the RSA, through the NDLS, is not making it as easy as it could be or we would like it to be. The Department of Transport is frustrating this or making it more difficult to get drivers on the road, while another part of the system is trying to get them on the road faster. We all want more active travel, fewer emissions and fewer people using their cars, better services, BusConnects and so on.

In my next intervention, I may address the issue of night buses because there is a shortage of taxis and we need more people to use buses, where possible.

I thank all the witnesses for appearing and preparing such comprehensive opening statements which highlight that one arm of the State is trying to do this, while another arm of the State is making it more difficult than it needs to be. I accept that all the witnesses acknowledge that the RSA and NDLS are doing their best, but they are under strain as well. I think that is a fair point.