John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I wish to ask the Minister about how public funds used to subsidise non-profitable public transport routes will be guaranteed into the future, an issue raised in both Houses. A vital aspect of public transport is that the Government funds routes which are not economically viable but on which we want a public transport option. There is a concern that subsidies given to some of our public transport providers are not spent directly on the provision of those routes but in other areas. Amendments were tabled on Committee Stage and possibly on Report Stage in the Seanad on that issue. I do not know if it relates directly to amendments Nos. 26 and 27 but will the Minister give me some information on that?

I refer to licensing reform and competition in the bus transport sector, in particular. Amendments were tabled on Committee Stage in this House on those issues and perhaps the Minister will comment on them.