Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Operation Freeflow is being co-ordinated currently and preparations are ongoing. It will come on stream in the usual way. The question of how it can be prolonged beyond the normal Christmas period is an issue for the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Transport to consider.

The bus fleet has increased significantly. It is incorrect to say capacity has not increased in 2006. Almost 1,000 bigger and better buses have been brought into service since 1997 and the bus fleet is much more modern, efficient and effective. Capacity has increased by 40% in that time and, therefore, there has been a substantial renewal and increase in line with commitments under the national development plan. The subvention provided to Bus Átha Cliath has also increased significantly from €8.8 million to €70 million annually, which reflects increased capital investment and capacity. Under Transport 21, the Government has made a serious commitment to public transport as the best way to deal with the situation. An investment of up to €500 million is being contemplated in the bus fleet, quite apart from the major extensions of the Luas and the metro, which have proceeded to planning. The question of investment in public transport being a key to relieving the long-term problem is acknowledged in Transport 21. It is a central part of the investment framework going forward.

With regard to the more immediate issue, Operation Freeflow is being co-ordinated and preparations are concluding so that it can be undertaken in the normal way.

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