Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As Minister of State with responsibility for public transport, I assure the Deputy that under no circumstances is there a privatisation agenda. I do not know if he missed what I said earlier but last year Bus Éireann was provided with its fifth highest subvention ever. I have already outlined the position in respect of staff and I have no intention of discussing the quantum because to do so would be to cross the line regarding negotiations. The House will respect that, in view of my role, it would not be appropriate for me to do so today. I had no problem discussing that matter previously and I will have no difficulty talking about it at a later date.

There are some restrictions here which lie outside the control of Bus Éireann. In particular, there are certain rules on competition, state aid, etc. which must be adhered to in the context of the Expressway service. We are working closely with the company to ensure the services it is developing for its customers will be sustainable into the future. Creating such sustainability is my ultimate objective.

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