I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 400 together.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. It also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the Rural Transport Programme which now operates under the Local Link brand. The NTA is also responsible for the running of the recently announced pilot schemes relating to the Local Area Hackney Scheme and the Community Transport Service.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct reply to him. I would ask the Deputy to advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.