Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question is in recognition of the excellent work being carried out under the rural transport programme throughout the country and its excellent value last year, at a cost of €10 million. There was a threat to this vital service in the past. I thank the Government for saving rural transport. I want an assurance that, under the road transport legislation, the rural transport network that has been built up will be retained. It is necessary for elderly people, in particular, who want to go to mass, shops or the doctor, for example. It is their link with their local communities.

Let me refer to the shocking announcement that €24 million in legal and consultancy fees was incurred by the NTMA and the Department of Finance. Surely these bodies should have enough internal advisers. Could there be an assurance included in the National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) Bill that we can cut out the hiring of external expertise? Surely the Departments have enough internal expertise and suitably qualified staff such that they would not have to spend enormous sums, at the taxpayers' expense, on consultancy and legal fees.

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