Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The brief politician is an oxymoron.

I hope that common sense will prevail. People need to be talking to each other to find a resolution. I am on record as saying that I feel the business model under which Bus Éireann has been operating, particularly with the Expressway routes, is effectively an unfair model. Up to 60% of its passengers are people who avail of free travel, whereas the private operators are not required to take those who qualify for free travel. It is almost impossible to compete when it is not a level playing field. Everyone, including the workers, is aware that change is required. We cannot lose sight of the fact that many of these workers are people with young families and mortgages. They are under pressure. I ask the Leader to convey our hope that talks would get under way as quickly as possible to find a resolution so that we can have a balanced public transport system involving Bus Éireann.

My final point relates to Irish Cement. Limerick City and County Council has granted permission for a new plant to burn alternative fuels. Many people in the area have serious concerns over pollution and yet it is still not licensed by the EPA. We need to look at the law. Before planning permission is granted for any physical infrastructure, the EPA should first be required to grant a licence. I think it is the cart before the horse.