Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister is aware that Expressway is our national carrier and these plans threaten to drive it to extinction. Since taking office the Minister has not even sought to convene a consultative forum with all the relevant stakeholders to discuss and plan not just the funding but the future of our public transport network. As an incoming Minister he did not see that as a relevant step.

Private companies can amend their contracts the day after being given them. They can drop the least profitable routes and some of the services on a particular day. This is not just a question of privatisation or profit. This should be regarded as a public service. It will result in a much poorer service. What will the Minister do to rectify this and to protect our national carrier? What steps will he take to convene a forum to discuss the future of our public transport network?

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