Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1019: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage, on average, by which Dublin Bus tickets have increased over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41165/11]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1020: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage, on average, by which Bus Éireann tickets have increased over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1019 and 1020 together.

Since December, 2009, decisions in relation to increases in public transport fares on subvented services are subject to the approval of the National Transport Authority (NTA). I have requested the NTA to furnish details of fare increases since December 2009 directly to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days. Prior to 3rd December, 2009, Ministerial approval was required for increases in standard single fares by CIÉ. In August 2006 CIÉ sought a fares increase of 9-10% to cover expected cost increases in 2007. Ministerial approval was granted for an average 2.75% increase with effect from 1st January, 2007.

In October 2007, CIÉ applied for a fares increase of 8-10% to cover increased operating costs and the provision of additional services. Ministerial approval was granted for an average 5% increase in fares with effect from 1st January, 2008.

In September, 2008 CIÉ submitted an application for a 20% fare increase due to a decline in the Group's finances as a result of increasing fuel, labour and other costs, the loss of fuel duty rebate and changing demand for services. Ministerial approval was granted for an average 10% fare increase with effect from December, 2008. There were no fare increases sought or granted in 2009.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1021: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage by which the costs of Dublin Bus have increased since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41167/11]

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1022: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage by which the costs of Bus Éireann have increased since 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41168/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1021 and 1022 together.

Total operating costs of Dublin Bus increased by 8% in 2010 over the 2006 figure. 2010 is the last year for which the company's Annual Financial Statements are available. The equivalent figure for Bus Éireann was 13%. Both companies have implemented major cost recovery programmes in recent years, including a pay freeze for all staff since 2008. Further cost saving measures, in addition to marketing and promotional initiatives to increase revenue and passenger numbers, will be required to address operating deficits.

It should be noted that some of the higher operating costs relate to the higher cost of fuel as well as the abolition of the fuel rebate. Also, pay increases under social partnership agreements would have been a factor. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann are published annually on the respective company websites and on the CIÉ website.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 1023: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of bus routes that avail of the port tunnel as a percentage of the number of buses exiting the city along this route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41169/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the provision of public bus passenger services under the award of public service contracts. In addition, the responsibility for the public passenger bus route licensing was transferred under Statutory Instrument No. 566 of 2010 from my Department to the NTA with effect from 1 December 2010.

I have forwarded your correspondence to the NTA for attention and direct reply. If you do not receive a reply within ten working days please notify my private office.