Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

A point I neglected to make was that under section 29(3) of the Bill before the House, it is envisaged that the intention of the amendment could be considered in the future. Section 29(3) states "Notwithstanding the provisions of section 63 of the Act of 2008, the National Transport Authority shall, at any time at the direction of the Minister, submit a report to the Minister setting out recommendations in relation to the expansion of its functions, functional area and remit". Consequently, it contemplates the point being made by the Senator. An incremental approach is being taken. Obviously, the greater Dublin area has unique issues and it is intended to try to address these head-on first and then to deal with the wider national strategy at a later date. On foot of the progress made last year through the passage of the 2008 Act, with this legislation we will be able to take advantage of what we have learned from the other experiences for the roll-out on a national basis.