Vol. 396 No. 6
271 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if any request has been received from Bus Éireann for additional funds to allow the company to accelerate its bus replacement programme in view of the deteriorating conditions of much of the bus fleet; if any application has been received for funds in order to purchase mini buses for use on the internal bus system in Cork city; and if he will provide Government funds if a submission is made.
It is not policy to provide capital grants to Bus Éireann in respect of the acquisition of buses. The company is required to finance such purchases from its own resources.
In accordance with its bus replacement programme Bus Éireann submitted proposals to my Department in 1989 for the purchase of 20 expressway coaches. These proposals were approved within the framework of the company's non-voted capital allocation. I understand that the coaches will be delivered in 1990.
The company does not have any minibuses in its fleet and does not have any plans to acquire such buses.
