Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

A sum of €55 million was not spent. The Minister is announcing extra public transport funding even though he did not spend the money he was given this time last year. That is the point I am making. Some 196 buses could be provided from this year's under-spending. Perhaps it could be used to invest in other quality indicators relating to bus services, such as the development of competition in the market. The Minister did not address that issue when I raised it. These funds could be used to pay for better service indicators, such as real-time information. The Minister could invest this money in improving the quality of service. He could do a great deal with this money. Deputies on both sides of the House who live just outside Dublin have made the case for park and ride facilities — no such facilities are available as things stand. The Minister has not provided for integrated ticketing. The Government's public transport policy is a failure. The Minister cannot deny that he had to give back €55 million.

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