Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The Minister is a prisoner of Bus Éireann and the unions. This was highlighted by his refusal to accept an amendment to the Dublin Transport Authority Bill moved by Senator Donohoe in the Seanad to introduce competition in the bus market. A supposed core policy of the Progressive Democrats is to increase competition in the bus market, but its Members voted against the amendment. Half an hour ago, the Minister failed to do his job, namely, to deliver on the promises to introduce competition made by his predecessors, the current Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Cullen, and Deputy Brennan.

"Competition" is not just a word. It means new choices and routes for new communities, but the Minister has refused them. This situation will continue until he reforms the Act. While he stated that he does not know when he will reform it, he will never do so despite this golden opportunity to do it. Will he reconsider his opinions on Fine Gael's amendment to introduce competition in Dublin and amend the DTA Bill immediately?

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