Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Transport, which was announced yesterday, revealed that there was an under-expenditure — a return to the Exchequer — of €55 million this year. The Government has failed to spend that money, which it intended to invest in public transport. It could have used the €55 million to put 196 additional buses on the streets of Dublin and our other cities and towns. It is unacceptable for the Minister to suggest he is doing the best possible job for consumers. Perhaps we should reform the 1932 Act, in line with many of the commentaries of the Minister and his predecessors, to provide for more effective decision-making on public transport. Can the Minister give his views on opening the market and increasing competition? Such measures would give consumers more choice and lead to better buses and cheaper fares.

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