In view of the Minister's remarks about the success of the DART, could he indicate the average taxpayers' subsidy per passenger journey on that system? Could he give similar information in regard to the average taxpayer's subsidy per passenger journey on the bus system?

These are separate questions, Deputy.

Will he indicate if, in fact, the subsidy for the bus service is a fraction of the subsidy in respect of the DART?

The Deputy may not continue along those lines.

I submit, with due respect, that the Minister made a statement entirely of his own volition——

The Chair is concerned about the subject matter of the question.

——that he had made up his mind in regard to this matter.

The Deputy is talking through his hat.

I was merely inquiring, Sir, if all the relevant factors had been taken into account by the Minister, including the cost to the taxpayer, before coming to this decision.

The Deputy may table separate questions.

There has been no decision and the Deputy knows that well.

A relevant question, please.

The Minister mentioned that the Howth-Bray line has been a great success. What are the criteria? Are they financial criteria?

When I meet a citizen who says that it is the most delightful transport system that has become available in the country for some time, I take that as the best possible tribute to the success of that system. And there are thousands of such citizens.

Will the Minister not agree there are certain things that should be considered in adjudging the particular project a success? For instance, has it reached its passenger targets? What is the subsidy per passenger journey? How does that compare to the subsidy per passenger journey on the bus system? How convenient is it for the travelling public? Surely these criteria should be considered?

The Deputy told me how successful all those things were and I, in my innocence, believed him.