Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Transport the average age of the bus fleet at both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann; the number of vehicles and passenger capacity of the fleet; the average age after the extra buses recently tendered for by Dublin Bus are added to the fleet; the number of vehicles and the passenger capacity of the fleet after the extra buses recently tendered for are added to the fleet; if Dublin Bus believes that its fleet is of adequate size to meet demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43363/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of vehicles retired from service by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus over the past five years; if these vehicles are considered still serviceable, and therefore are sold on to other operators, or are considered beyond service and scrapped; the amount of revenue that has been derived by the companies from the sale of vehicles over the past five years; the locations in the company accounts at which this revenue is referenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43365/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Transport if a fuel management and measurement strategy is in place in each of the three CIE companies; the metrics used to evaluate fuel performance; and the performance improvements, energy and cost efficiencies that have been achieved. [43368/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Transport the average distance travelled by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann vehicles per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 249: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of passenger journeys by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann for each of the first three quarters in 2008; the way these numbers compare against the previous four quarters in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43376/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Transport the revenue generated by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Eireann for each of the first three quarters in 2008; the way this compares against the corresponding quarters in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43377/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 238, 241, 242, 249 and 250 together.

The details sought by the Deputy in relation to the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets are operational matters for the companies and I have asked them to compile the information sought and forward it directly to the Deputy. In relation to the adequacy of the Dublin Bus fleet to meet demand, the forthcoming cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus will give an independent assessment of the current position in that regard.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 237: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason Dublin Bus has gone to tender for 350 new vehicles; the purchase cost associated with these vehicles; when these vehicles will be purchased; when these vehicles will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43364/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The procurement of vehicles for its bus services are matters for Dublin Bus and not one in which I have any role.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Transport his views, in view of the pressure on Government finances, of availing of the spare capacity that exists in the private bus sector to meet the continuing growth in public transport demand and in doing so, minimise the additional capital cost to the taxpayer of having to purchase new bus vehicles for Dublin Bus. [43366/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is open to Dublin Bus, within the funding resources available to it, to avail of private sector capacity on a contract basis in the provision of bus services. It is also open to private sector operators to seek licences under the Road Transport Act 1932 to provide bus services.