Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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 of those services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it is a statutory function of the 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. Further, 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.