Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister, who is having a busy evening. In recent years there has been increased use of the public transport services provided by Bus Éireann and private operators. More people are travelling longer distances to work and commuting daily. During the years private bus operators have provided a valuable service and initiated new routes where CIE was not providing a service. In some cases Bus Éireann subsequently improved services to the areas concerned.