Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

This is not a matter for the Minister concerned. We are able to provide services such as the Imp, but I believe a business opportunity exists for Bus Átha Cliath or whoever wants to do it. I cannot understand why it is not happening much more. People become fixated on issues, instead of looking for new commercial opportunities. The Deputy's idea is a good one and it would work well, particularly as increased public transport levels are being made available whether in the form of DART, Luas or whatever. This is certainly something I would encourage and like to see happening more and more.

As regards the Deputy's second point, he will appreciate that any diktats from a Minister to local authorities are normally viewed with great disdain by the elected members of such bodies. However, I take his point. The general thrust of what he is saying, I believe, is that there needs to more integrated thinking in this area. If it is not possible, as it will not be, to provide public transport within a few yards of everyone's home, we should try to make it as easy as possible for people who have to use other means to get to a DART station, a Luas or whatever else. This is certainly something the DTA, in looking at an integrated plan for the city, should take into account and I will convey this view to that authority in the strongest terms.

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