Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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30. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the management of the rural transport programme; if he will outline the criteria used in awarding contracts and the average value of contracts awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22957/13]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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As Minister of State for Public and Commuter Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the Rural Transport Programme (RTP).  Following the Government Decision of 26 January 2012 in relation to integrated local and rural transport, responsibility for the management of the RTP was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA). Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Under proposals to restructure the RTP which are aimed at strengthening the Programme by ensuring a more efficient delivery structure which will maximise integration with other state transport services and make the Programme a sustainable part of the public transport system, there will be revised contract arrangements. I am awaiting proposals on a new structure for the delivery of rural transport from the NTA when they have concluded their deliberations and discussions but I am hopeful that I will be in a position to recommend a new structure in the near future which will allow for the maximising of spend on services and the reduction of administration costs.