Mr. Allen Parker:

On the issue of mechanics, we have a headcount of 29 in Broadstone. We are currently short six mechanics. As Mr. Kent outlined, we worked very hard to put in place a contingency. It took time. Using outside contractors for maintenance contractors was one of the steps, but they, too, are struggling to get mechanics. As Mr. Hann stated, it is an industry-wide challenge and one we need to address to ensure we can continue to drive growth in public transport use.

Deputy O'Rourke mentioned the essential skills list. Yes, we have made a submission, as others have. We are strongly calling for the mechanic profession be added to that list to give us another channel for recruitment. There is much effort going into recruitment to cover that headcount gap. Regarding putting in place the short-term contingency, we are using private bus contractors on some services, which took a little bit of time to put in place. We moved our own mechanics around as well. We are doing two things. We are moving some mechanics into Broadstone to support and putting them up in Dublin, and we are transferring vehicles to some of our regional garages as well. It is big time about having the capacity to do it. We do not like leaving anyone behind. We are working hard to make sure we deliver all our timetabled services. Again, it just took a little bit of time.