Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is aware that allegations are being made about the inability of transport regulators to govern the way in which employees in private companies would be treated by way of wage agreements or the way in which they are expected to work. It is the case in other jurisdictions that where there is a drive towards profit by private companies that win contracts, there has been a deterioration in the level of service provided to the consumer. The long-term negative impact on public transport has proved extremely costly, as there had to be investment to encourage people to return to using public transport. There is deep concern that we could end up with a negative outcome from any tinkering with the current system.

It can have a knock-on effect on passenger confidence in the service and, ultimately, lead to a modal shift away from public transport, which would be damaging and regressive. I hope, therefore, that plans the Minister and the NTA have in this regard are properly scrutinised in advance to ensure we do not damage or undermine the high rate of participation and usage by consumers in public transport services.

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