Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing this Topical Issue debate. This is a very important issue. Kerry Flyer has done excellent work in County Kerry over many years in providing much-needed transport which would not otherwise have been provided. Unfortunately, over the past while it has begun to tender and compete for work which had been done for decades by other private contractors. There have been instances in our county involving family businesses which have had school runs for 30, 35 or 40 years and were highly regarded in the locality. We feel it is unfair that Kerry Flyer can come in and take this work by tendering at a lower price, quite simply because it is subsidised. The Minister of State cannot get away from this fact. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission must look at it closely. If someone is being subsidised to do work and someone else receives no subsidy, grant or assistance it is a no-brainer that the subsidised person will be able to be more competitive, but it is not fair. Somebody must look at this.

I thank Deputy Martin Ferris very much for his strong interest and work on this issue along with myself. We are highly concerned about what is happening in County Kerry. We really appreciate the private contractors for the work they have done. They have given excellent service.

Now, all their hard work is being taken away from them. I want Kerry Flyer to continue working and running its service but I also want our private bus contractors to continue running their services. Surely common sense can prevail. I again thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing this debate.

See this speech in context