Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

The cut of €27 million in the transport budget last year is having a knock-on effect on the ordinary poor people of the midlands. I raise this issue because the bus service in Athlone and its environs is being cut by half. Eleven of the 21 drivers in Athlone will lose their jobs. Bus Éireann has stated there is a reduction in the number of services provided. I challenge members of the Government parties, Fianna Fáil and the Green Party, to come to Athlone to prove that the numbers have dropped. That is not the case. Old people use these services to get to mass or go to the doctor. Young people use them to go to college or do their shopping, etc. They should be asked how valuable these services are for them. It is another example of the insidious and negative gnawing away at the poor and honest people of Ireland, some of whom will be affected by the loss of these services. I understand why I could not raise this matter on the Adjournment. It is a matter for the Minister for Transport. I want the Minister to come to this House to defend his appalling record.