James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

While I welcome the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, I am disappointed the Minister for Transport is not here this evening to deal with this very important Bill. However, I have no doubts about the capability of the Minister of State to listen and to bring to the Department the views of this side of the House and how we believe the Bill could be made substantially better.

Last week I referred to the proposals of an bord snip nua to save €11 million at a very large cost to the rural population and well beyond any possible gain to the Exchequer. To refer to saving €11 million is to overstate the case. The actual funding is €8.9 million for the 37 groups involved. However, in terms of value for money, it would be hard to outdo this scheme. Apart from providing a door-to-door transport initiative, the services acts as a warning mechanism within communities. The drivers know all their passengers and are able to pass on details of elderly people who may have missed out on a journey into town, such that social services can check up on those people. It is a very important community service and has been omitted from the Bill. Bus drivers have a great rapport with their passengers, many of whom are starved of social interaction. As someone who comes from Galway, the Minister of State will be aware of rural isolation and the devastating effects it can have on elderly people throughout the country.

With my colleagues, Councillors Sean Farrell and Michael Carrigy, and my brother, Councillor Larry Bannon, I had the honour of travelling on both routes in Longford and Westmeath during the recent day of protest, during which I met drivers and passengers. In Westmeath I was very pleased to take the opportunity to introduce my party leader, Deputy Enda Kenny, to many users of the service-----

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