Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Dooley and I assure him that, as stated previously, this is a priority for me. Protection of the budget is of course the priority for me, and this will be dealt with in the budgetary process. I believe the Deputy will find that towards the end of the year, passenger numbers will actually remain the same or increase slightly. However, I assure him that I already have met the National Transport Authority and have asked it to examine areas within the rural transport system and what vision exists for it, and to ascertain what other services the system could expand to encompass in the future. I intend to visit the Deputy's constituency in the near future and I assure him that I will listen not only to my own colleagues but to Members of the Opposition as well, because this can only have a positive effect on rural Ireland. Consequently, I certainly will take on board any suggestions the Deputy might have.

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