Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

There is no doubt that Dublin Bus has done some significant work. It is one of the least subsidised operators in Europe. I refer to the extent to which the State provides funds for Dublin Bus. I suggest the ongoing review of the bus network in Dublin is designed to lead to cutbacks. That is one of the big problems I have with it. Routes are being amalgamated in a way that does not take account of the needs of communities, people who are disabled and those who find it hard to get from A to B for various reasons. The manner in which we are driving the idea of cost-cutting is putting a great deal of pressure on Dublin Bus. The invaluable service the company provides for communities cannot be weighed in terms of how much money is handed out or how much it costs. I reiterate the appeal made by Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett. The Government should try to stop the cuts being made by Dublin Bus. Will the Minister of State support Dublin Bus by giving it more funding and stopping the cutbacks?

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