Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the rural transport network will be included as an integral part of the local integrated transport services; his views on the ten point action plan proposed by the RTN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33234/11]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department is currently exploring efficiencies that can be made by bringing together aspects of HSE transport, school transport, the Rural Transport Programme and other transport services. The overall aim is to reduce duplication and costs while increasing efficiency and maintaining service provision. All stakeholders will have a role to play including the Rural Transport Network. The ten point action plan proposed by the RTN will be considered in that regard. Indeed, my Department has already met with the RTN and is due to do so again shortly.

I will take this opportunity to re-affirm my commitment to the rural transport programme. Rural transport is specifically mentioned in the Programme for Government and while there is a need to find savings, it is vital to the needs of many rural areas and for tackling social isolation.