asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will outline the Government's policy on the provision of an efficient and economic public transport system in the Dublin area.

Policy on the provision of public transport in the Dublin area is based on the Transport Acts which deal with CIE and the Road Transport Act, 1932, which regulates the licensing of bus services. As a consequence rail services are provided by Iarnród Éireann and bus services are almost completely provided by Bus Átha Cliath in the area. Exchequer financial support, as necessary, will continue to be provided for these companies, in line with available resources, with the objective of keeping fares as low as possible.

In October 1987 the Government instructed CIE to prepare transport investment plans for the Dublin area involving bus-based options or diesel services on existing rail lines. I understand that the board will be in a position to forward their plans to me shortly for consideration.

Existing services, adapted as necessary, decisions reached on the basis of the CIE plans and any changes which may result from the planned new road passenger transport legislation following the review of the Road Transport Act, 1932, will be the basis for meeting public transport needs in the foreseeable future.

The activities of the Dublin Transportation Task Force in improving traffic managment and introducing further measures in that regard will facilitate the greater use of public transport.

Since the general directive of October 1987 to suspend consideration of the DART, has the Minister issued any other directives to Dublin Bus or Iarnród Éireann with regard to transport services in the city? Have his Department had an input into the very serious cutback in services by Dublin Bus during the past few months?

The Government decision concentrated the minds of CIE on bus and diesel operations. That is as far in general policy as my Department went. The services on the ground are decided upon by CIE.

While the directive in October indicated that there should be an expansion of services by bus and diesel, is the Minister aware that the concentration he has asked for has led to a dramatic reduction in bus services in the city area?

I am fully aware of what is happening but I am also fully aware of the competence of CIE in the domain to which the Deputy is referring. With regard to diesel services, there have been improvements in the services available to citizens.