Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his views on public transport and the State role in its provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26573/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the programme for Government, I recognise the need to rebalance transport policy to favour public transport. The public transport system will play a critical role in supporting a return to sustainable economic growth, the maintenance of a competitive environment for investment and addressing the challenge of climate change.

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 enabled the granting of contracts for public service obligation, PSO, services on a direct award basis to Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann in respect of existing services and on a public tender basis for new services. The direct award contracts with the bus companies apply for five years and ten years in the case of rail. At the end of the five or ten year period, the NTA has discretion to renew, modify or terminate the direct award provision of services following a consultation process with interested parties under which the NTA is obliged to justify its approach. In November 2010, the NTA published new guidelines for the licensing of public bus services which set out the basis for a reformed licensing system for commercial bus passenger services in the State. The guidelines identify commercial bus passenger services as a key part of public transport services in the State.

In accordance with the commitment in the programme for Government to explore the benefit to the public transport passenger of more diverse bus service provision, I will consult with my ministerial colleagues on the future options for procurement of PSO bus services once I have completed my examination of the options.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Ideologically, I am opposed to the way the Government handles public transport. I believe it should be run by the State and the companies. Up to not long ago, that was the case but, unfortunately, we have seen a drive towards privatisation, which is a problem for citizens across the board. It is clear also that public transport has suffered badly in terms of Government subsidies and Dublin Bus is the least subsidised service in Europe. The Minister has acknowledged in the past that we are under subsidised significantly in this area.

Recently, there have been cuts in various routes in Dublin Bus. Has the Minister intervened in any way to stop the cuts that have been taking place in Dublin Bus? This is a significant issue. Communities all over the north west of Dublin and across the city have seen huge cuts in their services. We keep kicking the blame around and blame the transport authority and others, but the Minister should demand a proper transport system is delivered and not allow Dublin Bus shut down services.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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It is a benefit that the Labour Party is in Government and that a Labour Party Minister of State has responsibility for public transport. We are fully committed to public transport and maintaining public services. This is the bedrock of what the Labour Party stands for and I hope the Deputy appreciates that.

With regard to Dublin Bus, as I have said previously, we are looking for efficiencies and because of this there will be an issue with the PSO over the next few years. That said, we will try to maintain services as much as possible. No doubt there will be issues, but there are some good news stories. There is good news with regard to technology, passenger numbers and interconnections with services like the DART. These good news stories will help push up passenger numbers and ensure the change in the level of subvention that must take place in the next few years will be minimised. The problem is we are facing a difficult position.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I acknowledge the good news with regard to the DART. There is no doubt that there has been a big increase in passengers but I have noticed that since the changes have taken place in Dublin Bus, traffic has multiplied in some areas. This morning the traffic queues on the back roads into Finglas were very long. This is because of the cutbacks. Ordinary areas have been cut out of the Dublin Bus service area and people are now using their cars. This is a negative development. The Minister should talk with Dublin Bus to prevent this. The same issue has arisen at public meetings I have attended.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I will mention a statistic brought to my attention recently by Dublin Bus and the National Transport Authority. The changes that have taken place with regard to the network and many of the routes have seen a significant increase in passenger numbers. There may be issues in some areas, but in others we have seen increases in passenger numbers. We will use every avenue we can to try and get more people to use the Dublin bus service because it is one of the most beneficial and efficient ways to travel.