Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy knows, we cut public transport fares last year by 20% and we introduced a 50% cut in fares for young people. Prior to this September we decided to waive school transport fees for the public, which caused difficulties because more people applied for places than ever before, but it meant getting more people out of cars and onto public transport. The Government is not disagreeing with the principle of what Deputy Bacik is suggesting but we have to be mindful of the practicalities. In respect of the forthcoming budget and the core package of about €5.7 billion, we have to look at a variety of measures in respect of expenditure. The sum of €150 million in one year is a sizeable allocation to just one measure. We will be increasing public expenditure but will do so across a whole range of services. We have to focus on childcare, education and a variety of other areas.

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