Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

90. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a monthly breakdown of the number of bus drivers working for Dublin Bus in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9036/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

The query raised by the deputy in relation to a monthly breakdown of the number of bus drivers working with Dublin Bus in 2022 is an operational matter for Dublin Bus.

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

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

91. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures his Department is taking to improve the provision of bus services in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9037/23]

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

92. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his recent interactions with the National Transport Authority to tackle the poor provision of bus services in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9038/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

I am pleased to advise that under Budget 2023, I secured c. €563m in funding for Public Service Obligation services, including funding for the continuation of both the 20% discount on PSO services and the Young Adult Card on PSO and participating commercial bus services. Funding was also secured for the introduction of new services and service enhancements.

The allocations to the transport operators for the provision of public transport services are decided by the NTA in exercise of its statutory mandate and in accordance with the various contract arrangements that it has in place with PSO service providers.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions, in relation to the provision of bus services in Dublin, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.