Vol. 429 No. 6
45 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether an essential part of the role of Bus Éireann is to implement State transport policy; and, if so, if he will give his views on the widespread cancellation and curtailment of bus routes by this State-sponsored transport company.
Under the Transport Acts, Córas Iompair Éireann and its subsidiary companies have a statutory obligation to provide reasonable, efficient and cost-effective public transport services, having regard to the financial resources available to them. I am satisfied that Bus Éireann's operations conform to this mandate. Within this broad framework, decisions in relation to the scope and scale of Bus Éireann's route network and other operational arrangements are matters falling within the day-to-day administration of the company. Accordingly, I have no statutory function in the matter.
