It was with much disappointment that on the Monday of the workers' bank holiday, we awoke to reports the National Transport Authority, NTA, plans a further tendering of four Bus Éireann routes, namely the 101, the 101X - the Drogheda to Dublin service, the 133 and the 131 between Dublin and Wicklow. Is this a policy the Government supports? Is it commensurate with its commitment in the programme for Government? Almost more pertinently, is it complementary to a strong climate action plan that this slice-by-slice approach to the privatisation of our public transport system will deliver what is needed in terms of carbon emissions in our public transport network if we are to meet the 7% year-on-year carbon reductions? I believe it would not but I am interested to hear what the Taoiseach's stance is.

I do not support slice-by-slice privatisation of the national transport system. There is a balance to be struck and it has been struck for quite some time. I believe in a strong Bus Éireann and strong investment in it, particularly in the context of climate change. It is very important for fleet renewal and the upgrading of the fleet generally that it would be consistent with the country's climate change agenda. That is the broad basis that underpins Government policy. Public transport is going to grow and expand in the country, commensurate with the needs of the country in respect of meeting its climate goals and targets.