Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Is mian liom fáilte a chur roimh an Aire. Nuair a sheol sé an scéim phíolótach — an scéim oíche iompair tuaithe — bhí mé an-tógtha le cé chómh líofa agus paiseanta a labhair sé faoin rationale a bhí laistiar den scéim. Dúirt sé go raibh sé tábhachtach go mbeadh ceannaireacht ag teacht ón phobal chun seirbhísí taistil a chur ar fáil chun cabhrú le daoine dul go dtí bingo, aifreann agus clubanna óige, srl. He said the scheme would allow rural people to participate fully in the various community, sporting and social activities that take place in rural areas. He referred to the need to address the market failure that existed at that time. It was a most welcome statement because it clearly recognised that the welfare of the people should not be at the service of the markets, but rather vice versa. If that principle had been applied in the financial sector, we would all be better off.

I am disappointed that an annual cut of approximately €650,000 has been provided for. I question whether such a visionary and worthwhile service should be cut. I recognise that we are living in straitened economic times. I wonder whether the welfare of elderly rural people is being vindicated as it should be. I am not sure, having listened to the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, and Senator Ó Murchú, whether the services that were made available through the rural transport initiative will continue to benefit such people. When people look back on what has happened, they will examine that question. While I appreciate what has been said about the rural transport initiative, I question whether services will be delivered to marginalised people in places where more commercially viable services are not inclined to run.

It has been suggested that local authorities could be given responsibility for providing rural transport services. Perhaps the sustainable travel officer model could be used. I understand that Bus Éireann is interested in taking over the scheme. The commitment of Bus Éireann to public transport in rural areas is highly questionable, given that it is currently implementing further route cuts. The company is proposing to withdraw totally or drastically reduce 99 routes across the country, which would leave large rural areas with no services. The first phase of route cuts, which will affect 52 routes, was announced last month. The second phase will affect 47 routes. Has the Government considered diverting a fraction of the €30 million subsidy that it is continuing to pay to Bus Éireann, which has abandoned its public service obligation, into the running of the pilot night-time rural transport scheme?

One part of government wants to reduce carbon emissions, address rural isolation and promote regional connectivity. I commend the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for his complete commitment and competence in this area. However, another part of government is allowing Bus Éireann to dismantle a public transport system that is already inadequate at a time when the pilot night-time rural transport scheme is falling by the wayside. A national sustainable rural transport policy is urgently needed. Last year, the cost of school transport doubled in some instances. Some children might not have any bus to school when the new term begins. Third level students will also be affected by these changes, as will the tourism sector. There is a need for a rethink on this, especially as Irish Rural Link has called on the Government to give a public commitment to the future of wider rural transport.