Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for setting out the position. An issue is emerging in discussions with unions and people who have an interest in the provision of these services. Concern has been expressed about the issuing of licences by the National Transport Authority. There would appear to be a lack of appropriate co-ordination in balancing the needs of the rural community with the necessity for competition on inter-urban routes. While I recognise fully the work the NTA does in ensuring a competitive environment exists on routes between large towns and what may be termed inter-urban routes, the associated effects, or, perhaps, the overemphasis on creating absolute competition on every service, has created a situation in which many services which had been profitable at certain times heretofore are no longer profitable. This is putting Bus Éireann in a difficult position.

I appeal to the Minister to talk more generally about the approach towards the issuing of licences, the role of the NTA and the direction from Government in terms of a coherent policy position on the provision of appropriate bus services to rural areas.

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