Vol. 470 No. 7
264 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the social importance of bus and rail services in rural areas; the instructions, if any, he has given to CIÉ in relation to the maintenance of these services, particularly in view of the fact that a substantial State subsidy is being paid by his Department towards the maintenance of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20067/96]
The Government recognises the social importance of public transport services, including those serving rural communities. Accordingly, an annual Exchequer subvention of approximately £100 million is paid to Córas Iompair Éireann in respect of a wide range of socially-necessary services which cannot be operated on a fully commercial basis. The allocation of this subvention between the three operating companies within the CIE group and its application in support of particular services are matters exclusively for the boards of Córas Iompair Éireann and of the operating companies, respectively.
I am satisfied that the Exchequer subvention provided to CIÉ is applied in conformity with the relevant EU Regulations and the group's statutory mandate to provide reasonable, efficient and costeffective transport services throughout the country having due regard inter alia to the board's social role and the financial resources available to the group. Within that broad framework, decisions on service levels and all other operational arrangements are matters entirely for the boards and management of the CIE companies and I have no function in that regard.
