Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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83. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the number of bus routes that are privatised will not be increased in excess of the current 10%. [25403/18]

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.  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.