Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

When I spoke to CIE about nine months ago the key issue was escalating fuel costs, with oil at $150 a barrel. That cost has been cut by two thirds, down to $50 or so and I understand CIE and the various bus companies are well hedged for next year. Therefore, how can fuel be used as an excuse to cut back on transport? The Minister failed to get the European Union to do anything about the fuel rebate, which has hurt all public and private transport operators since 1 November.

Is it not the experience of our European sister countries that the lower fares are, the greater the number of people who will travel? Study after study has shown this to be true. Instead of increasing Luas, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fares by between 5% and 10%, the Minister should be cutting them by 20% if he really wants people to use public transport. The Minister is taking a short-sighted and undynamic approach to policy, is he not?

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