Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for telling me about the specific case he has brought to my attention. It would, however, be more appropriate to bring it to the attention of management in Iarnród Éireann. I will do so if the Deputy gives me the details of the case, particularly if it is in his constituency. I have not heard widespread reports of it happening around the country or being a systemic problem. In fact, it is the first complaint of that sort I have received from any Deputy, but I will certainly address it, if the Deputy gives me the details.

The PSO subvention is increasing. Last year Iarnród Éireann received 13% more than it had received in 2015, while this year the PSO subvention will increase by a further 10%, as the Deputy knows. To answer his question about budget 2018, I have secured an 8% increase in overall Exchequer funding for PSO services across the bus and rail networks. This means that over €285 million will be allocated in 2018 to support the delivery of these socially necessary but financially unviable services. It is, of course, an issue that requires careful scrutiny to ensure the taxpayer is receiving value for money in the services delivered, given the considerable expenditure incurred. As is normal, the precise allocations for the companies involved, including Iarnród Éireann, will be decided by the NTA in the exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements it has entered into with PSO service providers. Overall, PSO and capital funding for Iarnród Éireann this year is expected to reach €315 million.

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