Rural transport network
Michael Healy-Rae seeks assurance that the rural transport network will be retained because it is vital to elderly and isolated people. The Taoiseach describes it as socially important and says the Government is committed to using departmental resources appropriately.
My question is in recognition of the excellent work being carried out under the rural transport programme throughout the country and its excellent value last year, at a cost of €10 million. There was a threat to this vital service in the past. I thank the Government for saving rural transport. I want an assurance that, under the road transport legislation, the rural transport network that has been built up will be retained. It is necessary for elderly people, in particular, who want to go to mass, shops or the doctor, for example. It is their link with their local communities.
Let me refer to the shocking announcement that €24 million in legal and consultancy fees was incurred by the NTMA and the Department of Finance. Surely these bodies should have enough internal advisers. Could there be an assurance included in the National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) Bill that we can cut out the hiring of external expertise? Surely the Departments have enough internal expertise and suitably qualified staff such that they would not have to spend enormous sums, at the taxpayers' expense, on consultancy and legal fees.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. The rural transport network is an important element of the fabric of society. I was going to say that the Deputy's belief that the network was in danger might have been why somebody in his county wanted permits for people who might not use the road transport network to allow them to get home.
Comment on this
It would have an impact on road safety and lives. I assure the Deputy that this is an important matter. The rural transport network has proven to be of great social benefit to many who would otherwise not be able to get to their local town, for example.
We are conscious of the hiring of advisers by Departments. In the case the Deputy mentioned, the fees were for specialist legal advice that would not be available inside a Department. I assure the Deputy that, in so far as the Government is concerned, it tries to use the resources of all Departments to the greatest extent possible. It is only in cases where that expertise is not available that consideration is given to the hiring of specialist legal advisers.