Vol. 482 No. 6
141 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the analysis, if any, her Department have carried out regarding the cost subsidisation of fares in each of the transport companies, Dublin Bus, Irish Rail and Bus Éireann; and the proposals, if any, she has to introduce transparency into fare structures and costs. [18595/97]
Full details of the costs, revenues and subsidies for each of the companies are published in their annual reports. The proposed public service contracts will provide a transparent basis for the payment of Exchequer support for socially necessary services which cannot be provided by the CIE companies on a commercial basis.
142 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the Government's policy, if any, in relation to fare increases for the CIE group of companies; the consideration, if any, the Government have given to this issue; and, if so, the effect of this consideration. [18596/97]
Proposals which Córas Iompair Éireann and its subsidiary companies may develop from time to time to increase standard fare rates require the approval of the Government before they can be implemented. In considering whether or not to authorise an increase in standard fares, account is taken of the need to strike a balance between, on the one hand, restricting fares increases in order to maximise ridership and reduce congestion and on the other hand, the need for the group to recover its operating costs and support it own capital investments in infrastructure development and fleet replacements. In addition, careful consideration is given to the potential adverse social effect of the proposed fare increases.
CIE applied for a fare increase in 1996 and the then Minister responded that in future applications for fares increases would be dealt with in the context of the system of public service contracts to be introduced in respect of socially necessary services which cannot be provided by the CIE companies on a commercial basis. That remains the position.
