Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

The Deputy's question relates to commercial bus service licensing by the National Transport Authority and the impact on Bus Éireann services. I have no function in this matter. The responsibility for the licensing of public bus passenger services was transferred under Statutory Instrument No. 566 of 2010 from my Department to the National Transport Authority with effect from 1 December 2010.

The NTA published, in November 2010, new guidelines for the licensing of public bus services which set out the basis for a reformed licensing system for commercial bus passenger services in the State. The guidelines identify commercial bus passenger services as a key part of public transport services in the State. These guidelines are available on the NTA's website and include details of the objectives and factors taken into account in considering an application for a licence.

Bus Éireann's Expressway services are subject to this licensing regime. It is important that the company responds to the challenge of increased competition and the drop in demand for public transport services by continuing to enhance the passenger experience including through service improvements, such as the introduction of new and modern Wi-Fi enabled vehicle and improved customer information.

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