Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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529. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the next five years for the privatisation of bus routes that are currently run by Bus Éireann; his plans to cease the privatisation process and maintain the bus routes under public provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4007/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to determine the appropriate mix of directly awarded and competitively tendered Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services. The NTA has the legal power to decide on whether to extend competitive tendering. In this, it is subject to both national and EU legislation.

It is incorrect to describe competitive tendering as privatisation as nothing is being sold, services are not being deregulated and control remains with the NTA.

I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.