Shane Ross (Independent)

They were cheaper as well. People used them and gave Mr. O'Sullivan the sort of mandate small private competitors need in this area against the great monopolies. The Minister should have the courage — the former Minister, Deputy Brennan, hesitated too much — to insist on competition with CIE, not on one or two particular routes but on all routes because that will benefit CIE also. One only has to look at the difference it made in the airline industry. It will not only be consumer-led but it will also force CIE to make a profit. If the introduction of competition in certain semi-State areas kills the monopoly and even puts the State out of the picture, so be it. If it is run for the benefit of the customer and can be profitable, that is a philosophy the Minister can happily espouse and comfortably say is popular. There is nothing wrong with doing something popular if it also happens to be right. Semi-State companies, particularly in the transport area, are used by certain people to protect particular perches; these people sit on and expand their empire, make sure it does not make a profit, keep competition out and crucify the consumer. I welcome the fact that we are moving away from that philosophy and urge the Minister to take his courage in his hands and promote faster change. We would then see more Luas projects, greater competition in other areas and a better transport system.

We always have plenty of reasons to moan about public transport — it is a national sport. In recent times we have seen tremendous developments in this area, none of them perfect. We should welcome them and encourage all Ministers to continue in this vein.