It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, as chairperson of Bus Éireann and to the board of CIE group. I very much appreciate the opportunity to meet the committee today, in particular, to discuss the future direction of Bus Éireann.
As to my background, a management consultant, I am a recent alumnus of the global strategy consultancy, Booz & Company, formerly Booz Allen Hamilton, where I was an associate in its transportation practice, formally based in the Dublin office and, most recently, in the London office. A graduate of University College Dublin and the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, I hold a masters degree in strategic management and planning, a bachelor of commerce degree and a certificate of professional competence in road transport operations management. I have a keen interest in and knowledge of both the national and international transport industry, and I have considerable experience in consultancy engagements in Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
A native of County Mayo, I am familiar both with the mechanics of the Irish public sector and with the vision of the Government's transport agenda. I have a clear understanding of the public transport framework and of the policy in Ireland having worked on a large number of consultancy assignments across various aspects of the transport industry.
As president and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, CILT, in Ireland, I am regarded as an expert on the industry. My role requires me to work with a board of experienced professionals and members representing the industry to build consensus on best practice and represent CILT's position in the media and the public.
As to my qualifications, expertise and experience, I have experience in project appraisal, including economic and financial evaluation, as well as non-quantitative assessment. My in-depth experience of the procurement and implementation process for transport projects, including softer systems and IT projects and the associated change management issues, will assist me in executing the chairperson role at Bus Éireann. Working internationally, having spent much of the past two years on assignments, in particular, between the UK and the Middle East, I broadened my skill set and understanding of the global transport context.
Bus Éireann operates three businesses within one: the PSO services which are urban, commuter and rural; the school transport scheme; and commercial services, in particular, Expressway. The Deloitte report for the then Department of Transport showed that Bus Éireann is efficient and effective compared to its international peers, and this is a credit to the management of the company. Notwithstanding this fine record, and the achievements in addressing the effects of the recession to date, there are challenges ahead facing the organisation. These include maintaining service levels with reduced subvention will becoming increasingly difficult; the continuing uncertainty on the state of the economy as we aim to maintain and increase revenue; continuing the cost recovery programme and identifying how to create further efficiencies and effectiveness; and the implications of changes in fuel costs, and the pressure on the cost base.
I look forward to working with the chairperson of CIE, Ms Vivienne Jupp, the board of CIE, and the board and management of Bus Éireann in addressing the challenges facing us and to drive the necessary change and improvements for the country as a whole.