Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's points are absolutely wrong. I say that with respect because I know the Deputy's interest and support for both companies. It is not a case that if a private operator were to win a tender it would be able to select routes. That point is incorrect. The National Transport Authority is looking at a parcel of routes which is 10% of existing routes and it will make the decision which routes will be put out to tender. The Deputy is using the language of privatisation, which I understand he will do for political reasons, but these routes will continue to be regulated by the National Transport Authority in what is one of the most regulated markets in our country. The NTA will determine the fares and it will ensure that any tender is implemented.

I reiterate that Deputy Ellis is incorrect in the points he made. The bus markets will not be picky; a private bus company will not be picking whom it may employ or not. As a result of my intervention yesterday, it will be the choice of the employee. I made that intervention because of the respect I have for both companies and the work they have done but also because of the commitment that if and when we increase investment in the future, it will deliver a better return for the taxpayer who is paying for that investment.

See this speech in context