Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I did not absorb the whole of the Minister's reply but I welcome the fact that some sort of a decision appears to have been made. Is the Minister aware of how bad the transport situation has become in Dublin in recent months, particularly since early September when the schools reopened and the full impact of the upgrade to the M50 made itself felt? The impact of 100 buses on that situation will be minuscule. A major input of buses is now required.

I take it that the money being made available will provide 100 additional buses. The Scott Wilson report, prepared for Dublin Bus five years ago, estimated that by this year an additional 500 buses would be required but none has been provided, which illustrates how far behind schedule we are.

I am not clear about what has been agreed with the Progressive Democrats on competition and the involvement of the private sector. I understood from the Minister's reply that 15% of new routes would be put out to tender. Is that correct?

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