John Bruton
Question:2 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the percentage change in petrol prices, rail fares and bus fares in the past 15 years. [23485/98]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Transport Costs.
Based on data collected for the compilation of the consumer price index, it is estimated that, between August 1983 and September 1998, the average price of petrol increased by 15.8 per cent. Over the same period, average rail fares and bus fares increased by 39.8 per cent and 58.9 per cent respectively.
Is the Minister of State satisfied, given the difference in the percentage increases, that the Government is serious about developing a public transport ethos, in view of the enormous increases which have taken place? We are now facing more increases. Petrol prices have increased by 15.8 per cent in the past 15 years while over the same period average rail fares and bus fares increased by 39 per cent and 58 per cent respectively. Nothing is being done to promote the whole ethos of public transport.
It would be interesting to see when the increases came.
The point made by the Minister for Public Enterprise is valid. The increases came under successive Governments. The Minister for Public Enterprise and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government have announced a number of public transport initiatives in recent weeks and months which will go some way towards meeting the Deputy's concern.