Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I join other Senators in expressing my dismay at the proposed cutbacks in the rural bus services. Clearly, it will lead to additional hardship for people living in rural communities. It will increase isolation, and we just heard Senator Mary White speak eloquently about the potential impact of isolation on people. It will also make it more difficult for young people to access the jobs market. Many in my constituency have complained about the lack of bus services to get to jobs when they are being offered. It would also put additional pressure on the local road infrastructure which is crumbling, as all Members will be aware. My concern is little cost-benefit analysis has been done on these proposals. If it were, it would show that the social cost of these cutbacks will be greater than any potential savings. I join in the call for a debate as soon as possible on rural transport networks.