Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Is it not a fact that the subvention for Dublin Bus ten years ago was €17,000 per bus and that this figure currently stands at approximately €80,000 per bus, a significant increase in taxpayers' subsidy? Also, there was a decrease of 210 in the number of buses on the road and owned by Dublin Bus in January 2009. The company has cut back its fleet by more than 200 which means the public are getting a rougher and raw deal. Perhaps the Minister will state if this is true. Also, is it not a fact that the Government's concept of smart travel, as enunciated in Government policy, is completely and absolutely riddled with inaccuracies and is resulting in a poor service? The ultimate fact is that Deputy Dempsey has, as Minister for Transport, failed miserably to insist on a proper public transport system for Dublin.

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