Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport the measures he will introduce in 2006 to increase the number, range and frequency of bus services which will be available to Dublin commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3340/06]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has agreed to fund additional buses for Dublin's transport services in view of commitments made in Transport 21 and the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3361/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 175 together.

In launching Transport 21 in November last, I indicated that the bus will continue to play a crucial role in Dublin's public transport system and, in particular, will be used to meet immediate and short-term requirements for additional public transport while other infrastructure is being put in place.

In early 2005, I asked Dublin Bus to carry out a review of its network with a view to deciding on future fleet requirements and how services can best be configured to meet the changing needs of the market. I understand the company is currently finalising this network review.

Dublin Bus has recently submitted an application for funding to me for additional fleet requirements, which has due regard to the emerging findings of the network review. I will make a decision when the assessment of this application has been completed.