Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I have no evidence that PSO money which is given to subsidise non-commercial or non-viable routes is not being spent on them. The latest value for money study I saw on this seemed to indicate that everything was in order. However, I would be the first to admit that the system we have at present in regard to PSOs, the payments, subsidies and so on is not transparent enough. There are suspicions but any investigation or assessment done does not bear out those suspicions. However, once there is suspicion, it is necessary in an area such as this to be as transparent as possible.

The way the Bill is drafted and the way the DTA will be obliged to work will make the system much more transparent. To start that on a good footing, we are looking at the networks provided by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus in the greater Dublin area. A study has been commissioned and we will have the results before the end of the year. That will feed into the information off which the DTA will be able to work.

In regard to private bus licences, there is a need to move in regard to the 1932 Act and events in recent weeks have re-emphasised that. I intend to bring forward legislation before the end of the year if we can do so to reform the 1932 Act to ensure we have a vibrant bus service and pubic transport system in the Dublin area.