Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A common theme in each of the delegates' opening statements is that all of them feel that Bus Éireann currently does not receive enough from the Department of Social Protection under the free travel scheme. They also suggest that there is not a level playing field between Bus Éireann and the private operators, which, they suggest, generally do not carry passengers under the free travel scheme. What data do the delegates have on private operators and the free travel pass? Do they know for sure how many do not carry passengers who hold a free travel pass? Do they contend or suggest that the current difficulty on the Expressway route would be alleviated were more money to be made available from the Department of Social Protection under the free travel scheme?