I noticed the Minister, Deputy Ryan, getting glossy photos taken in front of electric buses this week. These buses are welcome and will reduce emissions. However, in the same week, two bus services in my area were curtailed. The 68X route, which operates from Newcastle to the city centre, has been discontinued. Newcastle is one of the areas of highest population growth not only in my constituency but also in the State. The 51D service between Clondalkin and the city centre has also been reduced. People in Newcastle and Clondalkin who use these services will now have to find alternative ways to get to work or for their children to get to school. More than likely, this means they will have to travel by car, if they can afford the petrol. This will increase emissions and the cost of living. Will the Minister speak to the Minister for Transport and ask him to meet the National Transport Authority, NTA, to discuss restoring these routes?

That is a decision made by the National Transport Authority rather than by the Department of Transport or the Minister, Deputy Ryan. I am sure the Deputy has raised his concerns with and given his views directly to the NTA. I am sure that if this is a matter that is important to him, Deputy Higgins is also engaged with and following up on the matter. I will ensure the National Transport Authority is aware of the concerns the Deputy has, but decisions regarding individual routes are not ones made by the Department of Transport. It is an operational decision the NTA makes in response to the level of passenger and commuter demand it believes is there.