Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport the additional funds which have been sought by his Department to fund subventions in 2006 for bus based transport in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36085/05]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Transport if a subvention has been paid to Dublin Bus for the 20 additional buses announced in Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36088/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 166 together.

In 2006, the subvention to CIE will increase by 5% from €270 million to €283.5 million. The allocation of the subvention to the operating companies of Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann is a day-to-day operational matter for CIE.

However, a further €1.7 million will be allocated to Bus Átha Cliath in 2006 to operate the 20 additional buses for which I gave approval recently and which are due to be delivered before the end of this year. I am also awaiting proposals from Bus Átha Cliath for additional buses over and above the 20 already committed. Such proposals will also raise a requirement for additional subvention which I will consider at the appropriate time.