Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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1277. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the attached correspondence (details supplied) regarding Dublin Bus. [46494/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I have noted the comments in the correspondence attached to the Deputy's question. The Government attaches great importance to the continued operation of Dublin Bus, which is so important to so many of our citizens and to the successful operation of the Irish economy. 

I have been engaged almost constantly over the past 18 months in dealing with the financial situation in CIÉ and the subsidiary companies, including Dublin Bus, to ensure a return to financial stability in order that they can continue to provide an essential service to the public.  Dublin Bus has incurred accumulated losses of €75m over the period 2007 to 2012, a position which is unsustainable.

The attempts to agree cost reduction measures at Dublin Bus have clearly been long and difficult, the process having started in June 2012.  All sides understand and have accepted that the financial challenges facing CIÉ require cost savings that are fundamental to the Group continuing to fund its activities and service its borrowings. The issue of VAT compliance is a matter for my colleague Mr. Michael Noonan, T.D., Minister for Finance. The Free Travel Pass scheme comes under the remit of my colleague, Ms. Joan Burton, T.D., Minister for Social Protection.

The issues raised in the correspondence relating to revenue protection measures and the internal structure of Dublin Bus are matters for the company in the first instance.