Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the public service obligation contracts which were awarded to Bus Éireann for five years in 2009 without going to public tender, will go out to public tender when they come up for renewal in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11921/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Under EU law and the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, as amended, existing public service obligation (PSO) bus services can be procured by the National Transport Authority (NTA) through direct award contracts and any other new subvented services must be procured by way of open tendering.

At the expiry of the current 5 year direct award contract for the provision of PSO services with Bus Éireann the NTA have discretion to renew, modify or terminate the direct award provision of bus services following a consultation process with interested parties under which the NTA is obliged to justify its approach.

In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government to explore the benefit to the public transport passenger of more diverse bus service provision, I will be consulting with my Ministerial colleagues soon on the future options for procurement of PSO bus services.

Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve bus routes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11937/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The provision of bus services is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.