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

I used Mullingar as an example and at the outset I listed every commuter line that is experiencing serious disruption. The reason we are experiencing serious disruption is that quite simply we do not have sufficient rolling stock in our ownership to expand our services. That is a fact. I asked the Minister a specific question about the last time Irish Rail ordered new rolling stock. When can we expect the delivery of new rolling stock?

In regard to the Minister's interview on the "This Week" programme this week, I asked about his budget priorities for public transport. He seemed to go through many different areas but failed to acknowledge the responsibility he has for public transport, and with which he is fortunate to be charged. What can we expect in terms of an increased budget so the person I used as an example, who is paying €3,600 a year, is not going to be left with a journey time of 20 minutes longer a day, as a result of the changes in Irish Rail? Would the Minister take public transport if it meant that he was going to be 20 minutes longer a day getting to work? I seriously doubt it.

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