The programme for Government aims to improve public transport. Bus Éireann has recognised a number of areas, for example, across west Cork, through mid-Cork and into north Cork, where improvements are needed. The pandemic has held up a great deal of improvement. Being an optimist, I am looking towards reopening after the pandemic. I see this as a real opportunity to make changes as people are creating new habits and returning to college and the workplace. It was recognised in respect of the Macroom service, which operates via Coachford and Cloughduv, and also in respect of the Enniskeane and Cross Barry services, the 243 into north Cork and many others that there was a need to upgrade services. As we prepare plans for reopening society, can there be engagement with transport service providers, including Bus Éireann, in Cork and right across the country to ensure the best services reopen for people as they form new habits and return to the workplace?

I thank the Deputy for raising the important issue of the expansion of services in the mid-Cork area, particularly the Macroom-Cork city route, which he has raised previously. The Government has committed to reviewing the frequency of that service. The National Transport Authority, NTA, is also working on this. The Deputy is correct that it makes absolute sense that we enhance high-quality public transport services to the area. I am conscious of what he said about Coachford, Cloughduv and Cross Barry. The NTA has now completed the first phase of consultation on its proposal, entitled Connecting Ireland, with all local authorities. It is now engaging with regional authorities and other key stakeholders. There will be wider public consultation on this because we are determined to improve connectivity, particularly in the locations the Deputy has identified.

Dublin Bus is operating at 25% capacity, as it should be during the pandemic, but on top of that it is also operating a Saturday schedule, which means there is a significant reduction in the running times of the buses. They are late on many occasions, and this is during the week. The company is also operating a very reduced timetable because of the Saturday schedule. This is since the schools reopened. Somebody is asleep at the wheel. No doubt it is not uncharacteristic of the Minister to be asleep, but could the Taoiseach ask the NTA to wake up and return bus operations in Dublin and beyond to full capacity so people will not be left behind. Literally hundreds of people are being left behind at bus stops because we do not have the weekday capacity required.