As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport but the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the PSO bus fleets.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply with regard to fleet provision for Bus Éireann. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
As the Deputy is aware, Bus Éireann also operates Expressway commercial services which receive no PSO subvention and for which fleet purchase is a matter for the company.