James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me opportunity to discuss the need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to include consideration of the rural transport programme in the overall context of all public transport subventions and planning and not in isolation. Taken as part of the whole, the allocation for rural transport is minimal. For example in 2009, of the €575 million allocation for public transport, a mere €11 million or 1.9% was directed towards the rural transport programme. Out of the €73.5 million allocated to free travel passes, a minimal allocation of €1.5 million or 2% went to rural users. We are now at the start of 2012 and a new concept needs to be brought to bear on the issue of public transport.

Such figures as those quoted are unrealistic given the urgent need for upgraded and enhanced transport provision in rural areas. The Rural Transport Network believes that a shared collective vision needs to be agreed, which is fully inclusive of all voluntary and statutory agencies, encompassing all outlooks and aspirations. To promote and develop a fully integrated rural transport system the network advocates the inclusion of rural transport within the public transport network as a whole, to be part of a better integrated and hence more efficient national structure. It is essential that the Rural Transport Network is included as an integral part of any upgraded integrated transport service process. The network envisages a three-year transitional period to foster such inclusion. To assist the process a temporary local-rural transport transition unit should be set up in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. A planned transfer of the Pobal rural transport role to the NTA by the end of the transition period is envisaged.

The RTA also proposes the procurement by the network of school transport and the joint approach of the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Environment, Community and Local Government to the preparation of local transport service plans for each council area, as per the programme for Government. It is also important to address the pooling of all major national transport funding via the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and the National Transport Authority.

As it stands, current policy, regulation and subvention arrangements for public transport have an inherent scope for inefficiencies and lack of effectiveness, especially as has been experienced in rural areas. I know this only too well in my constituency of Longford-Westmeath, where remote areas suffer from a shamefully deficient transport provision. The current problems within the structures for transport provision can be broken down into such difficulties as: unclear roles and responsibilities which give rise to piecemeal arrangements; a marked lack of competition with the exception of intercity services; a disturbing lack of transparency regarding public subvention and lack of a clear picture of what the taxpayer gets from it; a lack of clarity on HSE non-emergency transport policy, practice and expenditure; and potential duplication of some services. Perhaps the most controversial issue regarding rural transport provision is the lack of a coherent location of the RTP in the overall transport framework with a resultant perception of it being an inclusion rather than part of an integrated entity.

I look forward to a positive response from the Minister of State.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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As a fellow rural Deputy, I know the Deputy is very passionate on the issue as I am. The maintenance and development of rural passenger transport services is one of the principal objectives of my Department and I intend to make significant progress on it in 2012. The programme for Government acknowledges the importance of transport for rural communities and includes a commitment to "maintain and extend the Rural Transport Programme with other local transport services as much as is practicable". In that regard, and in the face of significant pressures on the Exchequer, I am pleased that the Government has maintained funding for the rural transport programme in 2012 at 92% of the 2011 allocation. Essentially, €9.77 million will be made available for the RTP this year and it should facilitate the maintenance of transport services in rural areas in 2012.

This funding is being provided in recognition of the important role the RTP plays in combating rural isolation, particularly for the elderly. The RTP benefits from funding under the free travel scheme of the Department of Social Protection while some groups also benefit from local development funding from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. I am also aware that additional funds are generated by a number of groups from their own resources. I have met many of the groups and attended their annual conference last year.

However, I cannot overemphasise the importance of achieving greater efficiencies in the administration costs associated with implementing the RTP to maximise the programme funding on the provision of transport services. The achievement of greater efficiencies is vital in the face of the challenging fiscal climate facing the country.

There is a wider context to consider when assessing rural transport. For instance, many people in rural areas cannot access public transport services when school transport or other State-funded transport services may be operational in their areas. This highlights a need to change the way we think about rural transport and to explore new ideas. In essence we need to think about rural transport in a broader integrated transport context and in doing so to ensure that we continue to meet the transport needs of rural areas. It is also important to ensure that the community continues to remain at the heart of rural transport in Ireland.

To that end, an integrated approach to public transport provision in rural areas is being examined. As part of this work, the potential is being explored for efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of HSE transport, school transport, the RTP and other transport services. The overall aim is to reduce duplication and costs while increasing efficiency and maintaining service provision. Involvement of stakeholder organisations will be required, particularly at local level, where it is envisaged that local working groups will explore opportunities for transport integration in partnership with these stakeholders including agencies, voluntary and other representative organisations. This process is at an early stage.

A value for money and policy review of the RTP has been received. Among other things, the review report highlights the need to reduce certain costs, in particular administration costs, and emphasises the need to achieve efficiencies. The issues at stake do not just involve my Department but other Departments and agencies, and as such require careful consideration. It is intended to publish the report following its consideration by Government, together with our response to the recommendations made therein.

It is also intended to publish a pilot study on local integrated transport services. Both reports are being considered in the context of plans for the future of the RTP and the better integration of Exchequer-funded transport services. The future in this area is not without challenges, some of which will be significant. However, we are committed to exploring the practical potential to maintain and extend the rural transport programme with other local transport services and to seeking support in exploring the possibilities of integration and changing the way we think about rural transport services. This is the top priority for me in the Department this year. The support and input of Members to our efforts in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I ask Deputy Bannon to be brief as we are running out of time.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the maintenance of funding for rural transport in 2012. I also welcome that an integrated approach to public transport in rural areas is being examined. The rural transport project has proven to be a success story in terms of its addressing social exclusion in rural areas through the provision of a door-to-door service to worthy and vulnerable people in our society.

I ask that the Minister of State consider the position of rural areas and increase rural subvention and service provision, taking rural transport under the umbrella of national provision rather than as an add-on. There is much uncertainty in this area, in which the LEADER groups are involved. People in rural areas require continuity of service. There is always a fear when budgets are due to be announced that such budgets will deplete or reduce funding for rural services. It is important rural transport is supported.

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I agree with the sentiments of the Deputy's comments. From an Exchequer point of view, I will try to protect the service as much as is practicable. I take on board the Deputy's comments in regard to the National Transport Authority. As suggested by Deputy Bannon, we will be looking at greater integration and structures and would welcome his support in this regard. We will need to look at all of the services about which we have both spoken, including the HSE, school transport and voluntary groups in terms of how we can achieve greater integration and economies and through that provide a better service. We must ensure we do not have different types of transport services operating in the same direction at the same time. In this regard, transport providers will have to work closer. In doing so, we might be able to provide or extend services in other areas which currently do not have a public transport service. I live in an area which does not have such a service.

Through greater integration, we hope to provide a better service. This will require the coming together of many agencies and Departments, which will be a serious programme of work. However, 2012 is the year we hope will be the year when the back will be broken in relation to this work so that we can deliver better services into the future.