John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The United Kingdom will go to 13 bands in April 2009. We must keep under review how to progress. I must take the labelling system I want to introduce into account in the new environment (miscellaneous provisions) Bill.

Regarding rural transport, obviously we will require more buses, but it is important to point out that we must ensure people use the buses. Many of the comfortable buses that get people in Drogheda and Naas to and from their places of work in Dublin are half-empty. The car is seen as being more convenient and a status symbol. We must move away from the idea of going from door to door by car because the result in Dublin, for example, is congestion. Buses must be used and we must avail of every means to promote bus transport in this city and elsewhere. The bus companies want to make a contribution. Some of those with which I have spoken want space on the new motorways reserved for buses to get people to Dublin quickly.

I agree with Senator Coffey, but we must change people's mindsets to ensure they consider the bus as a means of transport. People in Dublin are happy to use the DART and the Luas. The latter is not the most comfortable way of travelling because people must stand while holding onto the roof and sides. However, it is reliable and is on time, which is what people are interested in.