Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

As a fellow rural Deputy, I know the Deputy is very passionate on the issue as I am. The maintenance and development of rural passenger transport services is one of the principal objectives of my Department and I intend to make significant progress on it in 2012. The programme for Government acknowledges the importance of transport for rural communities and includes a commitment to "maintain and extend the Rural Transport Programme with other local transport services as much as is practicable". In that regard, and in the face of significant pressures on the Exchequer, I am pleased that the Government has maintained funding for the rural transport programme in 2012 at 92% of the 2011 allocation. Essentially, €9.77 million will be made available for the RTP this year and it should facilitate the maintenance of transport services in rural areas in 2012.

This funding is being provided in recognition of the important role the RTP plays in combating rural isolation, particularly for the elderly. The RTP benefits from funding under the free travel scheme of the Department of Social Protection while some groups also benefit from local development funding from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am also aware that additional funds are generated by a number of groups from their own resources. I have met many of the groups and attended their annual conference last year.

However, I cannot overemphasise the importance of achieving greater efficiencies in the administration costs associated with implementing the RTP to maximise the programme funding on the provision of transport services. The achievement of greater efficiencies is vital in the face of the challenging fiscal climate facing the country.

There is a wider context to consider when assessing rural transport. For instance, many people in rural areas cannot access public transport services when school transport or other State-funded transport services may be operational in their areas. This highlights a need to change the way we think about rural transport and to explore new ideas. In essence we need to think about rural transport in a broader integrated transport context and in doing so to ensure that we continue to meet the transport needs of rural areas. It is also important to ensure that the community continues to remain at the heart of rural transport in Ireland.

To that end, an integrated approach to public transport provision in rural areas is being examined. As part of this work, the potential is being explored for efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of HSE transport, school transport, the RTP and other transport services. The overall aim is to reduce duplication and costs while increasing efficiency and maintaining service provision. Involvement of stakeholder organisations will be required, particularly at local level, where it is envisaged that local working groups will explore opportunities for transport integration in partnership with these stakeholders including agencies, voluntary and other representative organisations. This process is at an early stage.

A value for money and policy review of the RTP has been received. Among other things, the review report highlights the need to reduce certain costs, in particular administration costs, and emphasises the need to achieve efficiencies. The issues at stake do not just involve my Department but other Departments and agencies, and as such require careful consideration. It is intended to publish the report following its consideration by Government, together with our response to the recommendations made therein.

It is also intended to publish a pilot study on local integrated transport services. Both reports are being considered in the context of plans for the future of the RTP and the better integration of Exchequer-funded transport services. The future in this area is not without challenges, some of which will be significant. However, we are committed to exploring the practical potential to maintain and extend the rural transport programme with other local transport services and to seeking support in exploring the possibilities of integration and changing the way we think about rural transport services. This is the top priority for me in the Department this year. The support and input of Members to our efforts in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

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