The problem with this issue is that it crosses numerous Departments, not just one. The question asked by Deputy Ó Caoláin earlier about the decision of our transport company to cut back on public transport also has an impact on the area of climate change. In one breath we lecture people and tell them to use public transport, but in the next breath we tell them we are taking buses off the road. Are we really serious about dealing with this issue?

The Deputy is asking statistical questions. We are broadening the remit of the questions. It is a matter of the Taoiseach accommodating Members and agreeing to answer questions which are beyond the remit of these statistical questions.

It is very important.

In deference to the Deputy's interest in the matter, I will ask the Taoiseach to be as helpful as he can. I am merely pointing out what is the position. These are questions for the line Minister. That is the problem.

The reorganisation of the bus fleet in Dublin or anywhere else depends on the facts. From memory, bus passenger numbers are down by 10% which, against a background of finite budgets, means that some reorganisation has to take place in the interest of providing a sustainable public transport system in the city. These are the challenges management in that company, as in other companies, have to face, in the face of a downturn in the usage of public transport. It is important that we bear those issues in mind as we try to provide a service to the people.

The issue Deputy Barrett raised is a matter on which I saw correspondence between the Minister and the committee some time ago. My understanding of the situation was that while it does have interdepartmental responsibilities, the Minister, Deputy Ryan is not solely responsible for this matter but he indicated a preparedness to meet with the committee and see in what way the arguments being put forward by it can be advanced. The best prospect of doing that is by direct engagement with the line Minister concerned.

The Cabinet committee is a creature of Cabinet and takes some of the workload from Cabinet in its full plenary session on to the committee's work. Policy formulation or proposals on offshore energy production and the potential our coasts and waters have for such proposals are matters that can and should be advanced with the line Minister and Department. Inviting people in, including those with technical expertise and the political heads of Department, to see in what way progress is being made would be beneficial. I will also raise the matter personally with the Minister.