Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The decision on which routes ought to be selected for tendering is made independently, it is not made by Government. However, clearly, there is a commitment that we would open up the opportunity for competitive tendering for some elements of our public transport services. That allows other providers to offer alternatives. It is good for the consumer and user to see alternative offerings. There is no guarantee as to who will win in that tender. The best tender offering the best service at the most competitive rates will win and that will be of benefit to consumers who seek to have improvement. We have seen that where there is open competition on the intercity routes - there is a wide variety of services offering - that they meet additional consumer needs. We must recognise that a monopoly delivery is not the sole way to go but, as the Deputy rightly said, certain public services will always have to be supported. The Government has made substantial money available to the public transport companies to ensure that we provide social routes as well as economic ones.

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