Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I agree with the Minister in that PSOs will be necessary for a range of routes. In his first answer on this issue, he confirmed that the public subsidies for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann were among the smallest in Europe. The latter's 12% subsidy could be contrasted with, for example, two or three companies in the Netherlands that receive subsidies of 50% or 51%. TEC in Wallonia receives a 51% subsidy. Ongoing support for public transport is necessary. Does the Minister accept that it is a public good?

Does the Minister regularly approve business plans for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann? Was he aware of their significant service expansions, that they were taking on more drivers and so on? Many young drivers who are family men and women have complained to me that the Minister encouraged the companies to employ staff. The new staff, particularly employees with less than one year's service, were caught when he reversed gear due to the lower passenger numbers, which owes to the recession, the Cowen depression or whatever we want to call it. Was the Minister not aware of what was occurring in recent years in both companies? Knowing is one of his statutory duties.

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