Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will ensure that fares for public transport companies are not raised beyond that laid out as acceptable by his Department. [8614/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public service obligation allocation for Dublin Bus in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; when he was last briefed by Dublin Bus management on the network direct programme; if he is satisfied with the way the programme has been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8623/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The annual subvention for the provision of public service obligation (PSO) services by Dublin Bus is subject to contract between the company and the National Transport Authority (NTA) since 2009.

The amounts paid to the company in respect of PSO services since 2008 are as follows:-

2008 €85.63m

2009 €83.20m

2010 €75.68m

2011 €73.04m.

I understand that the NTA has allocated an amount of €69.44m to Dublin Bus in respect of PSO services for 2012 in line with their contract.

As the Deputy will be aware the operation and provision of services is a matter for the company itself in conjunction with the NTA. I am, however, supportive of the efforts of Dublin Bus to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness under the Network Direct project. Given the losses recorded by the company in recent years and having regard to unavoidable constraints on the availability of Exchequer funds for PSO subvention, it is important that they deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness in order to safeguard the overall sustainability of public transport services in the future. Both I and my Department have had and will continue to have regular engagement with Dublin Bus on a range of issues.