Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is a very fine statement, but the facts that underlie it are different. The Minister of State is aware of the auditor's report that identified the future viability of CIE as being in jeopardy. The reaction from the CIE group of companies was to increase fares and cut services. I understand the fiduciary duty of the company directors and their requirements to balance the books, but the role of the Minister of State is different; it is a public policy role, ensuring there is a public transport network and service to meet the needs of the travelling public. It is a vicious circle at the moment because with the increasing cost of travel and the reduction in services there is a reduction in the level of activity, which results in a difficulty for people who want to use the services.

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