Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

695. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his meeting with the Chief Executive of Bus Éireann recently; if the provision of bus services to Roosky, Dromod, Ballinamore and Elphin was addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2953/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I meet regularly with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Bus Éireann.  The last such meeting took place late last week and we discussed a number of issues in relation to the ongoing financial situation of the company and the way that the company is addressing those issues. We also discussed the issue mentioned by the Deputy. As he will be aware, Bus Éireann's Expressway services are carried out on a commercial basis (i.e. receives no subsidy), so decisions made by the company in relation to such matters are taken on commercial grounds. Changes to routes are subject to approval by the NTA and I have no role in the matter. 

 I have referred the Deputy’s question to the company for direct reply.  I have also referred the question to the NTA in relation to the licensing of bus services generally in the areas mentioned by the Deputy. Please advise my private office if there is no reply within ten working days.