Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I agree with the Deputy. To be fair to both sides, the Deloitte report points to many positives and good work done by management and unions in Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann gets a very good bill of health on its services. There are a number of things it could change. Bus Átha Cliath can and must change. It is somewhat unfortunate that the Deloitte report has been published at the same time as we have hit the wall on finances. Despite the €330 million taxpayers are giving to the company, it has hit this wall and the two things happen to coincide. In a time that was less fraught than the present, we would have time to make the changes, save the money and increase passenger numbers, which is the ultimate aim.

As I said, the industrial relations issues need to be addressed. Speaking to me yesterday, representatives of both unions accepted the principles of the Deloitte report. We need to implement those changes as quickly as possible to realise whatever savings can be made. I do not believe it would be €2 million on each route, but it should be a significant amount and would allow more money into the system. Crucially, it would give a better service to more passengers, which is my aim.

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