Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for their questions. On Deputy Mick Wallace’s generic question, given the financial and other constraints on the Department, a considerable amount has been achieved. Like me, the Deputy represents a rural area. Rural transport sevices have been completely upgraded. An entire new structure is in the process of being delivered which will further integrate public transport services. The previous Administration wanted to get rid of them under the McCarthy report. Previously, rural transport services were not joined up with other public transport services. That issue is being addressed. For the first time, the school bus service is being integrated with public transport services. School buses travel in and out of towns and through villages and previously could not pick up anyone on the way back, even though fuel was being used and people were paid. A recent change means that they are now allowed to pick up other passengers. The first service to be provided is in Waterford and a new rural hackney licence will commence this week. I urge every Deputy to promote it because it is something that has universally been welcomed. Much work has gone into co-ordinating the services. It takes time, but I made a commitment to do it.

Deputy Dessie Ellis failed to acknowledge an important fact - the National Transport Authority will decide the routes and frequency of services. Whoever wins the competition will not decide. The NTA will decide on the service delivered to ensure the people mentioned by the Deputy, whom we wish to protect, will still have the services they require. That is a critical point which many people do not seem to get. The NTA will decide the routes, service levels and frequency of services for the company that wins.

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