Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The bottom line is that it comes down to the level of subvention that is available. What I am saying in a roundabout way is that there is a need for the Minister to fight at the Cabinet table for a greater level of subvention. We all have faith in his capacity to ensure the burden of the cost of a publicly funded public transport system does not weigh too heavily on the shoulders of those who use it. If people move away from public transport because it has become an intolerable burden, a negative spiral will be created. Although investment in the upgrading of infrastructure is important and good, if fares continue to increase as they have been increasing, it will have a very negative effect. I hope that over time, the Minister will be able to secure a greater level of funding through the State subvention.

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