David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to maintain and extend the rural transport scheme; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13713/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Some 36 rural community transport groups are being funded under the Department's rural transport programme, RTP, which is operational in every county and plays an important role in combating rural isolation. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources.

The RTP is currently the subject of a value for money and policy review, the report stage of which is nearing completion. I intend to publish the report later this year following consideration by Government.

As agreed in the programme for Government, we are currently exploring efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of the HSE, school and the rural transport programme and other transport services. A study of a pilot scheme has been carried out and I will publish it shortly. I will incorporate the findings of both the value for money review and of the pilot scheme into the plans for the future of the rural transport programme. I can, if requested, keep the Deputy and the House informed of these developments as and when they happen.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for his response and urge that the report be published as quickly as possible. Having recently met the Kerry rural transport network representatives in my constituency and having spoken to people throughout the country, I am aware there is considerable concern about the future of the rural transport network. It would be helpful if as much information as possible was provided. There is a strong feeling in rural areas that the network must be protected as much as possible and extended in certain areas. Again, I urge that the next report be published as quickly as possible so as to provide people with some indication of what the future may hold.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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That is a main consideration for the Department and I intend to do so. We are committed to this and there is a commitment in the programme for Government regarding integrated transport in rural areas. This scheme must be taken into consideration with regard to that commitment. I am working closely with the Department of Education and Skills, the Department of Health and Children and a multiplicity of agencies on this. I spoke at the National Rural Transport Conference about the schemes and it is well aware of my intentions. I am happy to keep the Deputy up to date and will publish the report following its consideration.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Like Deputy Griffin, I support the Minister of State's efforts in this regard. I urge him to ensure he does not give consideration to the provisions of the McCarthy report, which previously sought to retract the funding provided for this transport initiative, which provides exceptionally good value for money. The east Clare accessible transport group, which started in my area and has now broadened out to provide a service for the entire county represents exceptional value for money. I would urge that the work under way by the previous Minister to ensure that these accessible transport initiatives are co-ordinated with Bus Éireann to assist the provision of school transport - an issue that is causing some difficulty for the Government - and the facilities and infrastructure already in place be utilised to the greatest extent possible and that appropriate funding be put in place to ensure that the initiatives continue. That would be welcome.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I take on board the Deputy's comments and share his view on the importance of providing services to rural areas. I am from a rural area and am familiar with the scheme mentioned by the Deputy as it is not too far from me. I look across the water to it.

The intention is to bring together an integrated programme following the publication of the review. We will work with the various agencies and Departments on that. It will be a complex operation, but there is a strong commitment in the programme for Government for doing it. We will do everything we can to ensure it all comes together as quickly as possible.