John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I assure Deputy O'Shea that I will ensure a transcript of this debate is passed on to the relevant officials. In line with a recommendation in the Deloitte report, Bus Éireann is engaging with Pobal, the HSE, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Departments of Education and Science and Transport to co-ordinate the better integration of services provided by Bus Éireann, the rural transport programme and the HSE. Several pilot schemes have been undertaken in the Louth-Meath and Sligo-Leitrim areas. These pilots will be evaluated by May 2010 with a view to mainstreaming across the country. The services being piloted include "collect and connect" commuter services, where passengers are collected at their door and brought to an interchange point to connect to scheduled services. Nine pilot schemes have been undertaken in the north east and north west. Hospital feeder services will be piloted in conjunction with the HSE. Bus Éireann and rural transport services feed into a Bus Éireann town service that connects to the local hospital for clinic appointments. Three pilot schemes in Navan, Drogheda and Dundalk hospitals are under discussion with the HSE. Bus Éireann is discussing a proposed pilot in Cork city - for Cork University Hospital - with the HSE. Bus Éireann is also seeking synergies with the school transport scheme. Two areas in the north east - the Stamullen-Drogheda area and the Navan-Trim-Nobber area - have been identified for further analysis, subject to discussions with the HSE, as possible partners for pilot projects.

Efforts are being made to better co-ordinate disability services. Increased co-ordination between the Irish Wheelchair Association, the rural transport programme and Bus Éireann is aimed at reducing service duplication and increasing fleet utilisation. I understand a pilot project has been completed in the north east between Flexibus and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Bus Éireann is working on increased co-ordination of ticketing and fares between Bus Éireann and the rural transport programme. It is also working on better information for a range of passenger groups, including older people. Combined leaflet drops have been completed in the north east and north west. I understand from Bus Éireann that the process has been extremely positive to date. The level of commitment and energy that has been brought to the process by all partner groups is encouraging. It is clear that many synergies can be created between the partner groups. Evaluation of the pilots has been delayed to allow time for the remaining projects to be completed. I understand this is due to happen in May 2010. The potential for and value of mainstreaming the initiatives across the country will become clearer at that time. The Deputies may raise the matter of Bus Éireann service cuts at that stage.

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