167 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding allocated to a scheme (details supplied) under the rural transport programme; if he will restate his commitment to continue funding this particular scheme into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47099/10]

Pobal administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department. Neither I nor my Department have any role in relation to the day-to-day management issues pertaining to the Programme or in allocating funds to particular groups. However I understand from bal that an amount in excess of €171,000 has been allocated to the North Fingal Rural Transport Company this year. €10.6 million is being provided for the RTP in 2011 in recognition of the important role it plays in combating rural isolation, particularly for the elderly.