Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

This morning the people of Galway woke up to another unofficial strike by workers in Bus Éireann. While this Government is investing unprecedented amounts of money in a ten-year transport plan, much of it in public transport, we should discuss bus deregulation. My party has always said that reform must come with investment. Bus capacity problems can be solved by subcontracting to the private sector, which receives no subsidy for its operations or bus purchase.

I agree with Senator O'Toole's comments on building regulations. Homeowners have been refused the €3,000 first-time buyer's grant because of the materials used in some Dublin apartments. I want to see what redress those people have through HomeBond. We must address the issue of quality in the building industry.