James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the lack of public transport in the area he will allow people required to travel from Labasheeda and Liscannor, County Clare to neighbouring bigger towns, to collect pension and social welfare allowances, due to the closure of the post offices in those areas to claim back the cost of taxi fares which they are incurring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34767/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The administration of support payments including supports for retired, elderly or unemployed persons is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. There are no funds available to my Department for the reimbursement of taxi fares or other costs associated with the collection of such support payments.

However, since 2002, my Department has been operating the Rural Transport Initiative under which thirty four community transport groups around the country are being funded on a pilot basis to address the transport needs of their rural areas. One of the project groups is operational in several parts of County Clare.

Following a recent public consultation process on the matter, my Department is currently preparing proposals for the progressive development of rural public transport from 2007 onwards. This is in line with the Government's commitment to mainstream the Rural Transport Initiative post 2006.

Liam Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Transport further to his press release of 28 September 2006 regarding extra buses and the role for private operations in the bus market, if funding for non commercial services is available to both public and private bus operators outside of Dublin; when this funding is expected to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34768/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Bus Éireann currently receives a State subvention for non-commercial services outside Dublin. There is currently no legislative basis for the subvention of public bus services provided by private bus operators. As indicated in my press release of 28 September 2006, new legislation will be brought forward to replace the Road Transport Act, 1932 with a modern regulatory and licensing regime for bus services nationally which will be consistent with EU law on public service obligations and State aids. At this juncture it is not possible to say what will be the precise arrangements for market regulation outside the Greater Dublin Area.