Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister knows about the financial challenges facing Bus Éireann. Its losses have been increasing incrementally over recent years. Has the Minister sought an explanation from Bus Éireann management for the situation that has developed? Why has it been allowed to get to this stage? Why is drastic action now having to be taken? Has the Minister read the report? What are his thoughts on it?

Approximately 2.7 million of the total of 7 million passengers who are carried on the Expressway service each year avail of the free travel scheme. Given that the average Expressway fare is €11, does the Minister think it is fair that Bus Éireann receives €4.50 in respect of each free travel passenger? Does he think it is fair that the money paid by the Department of Social Protection has not increased since 2009, even though the number of people availing of free travel has increased by 30%? Has the Minister spoken to the Minister for Social Protection to try to obtain an increase in this regard?

I would also like to ask the Minister about the number of licences that are issued. The National Transport Authority seems to get blamed for the issuing of these licences, but it is simply implementing Government policy.

Has the Minister received a report on the review of how the NTA had issued licences? I understand that he has received a report and that it is on his desk. When will he make its contents available?

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