In the past week I was contacted about three bus services that are full by the time they get to Headford, Spiddal and Clannbridge on their way to Galway. When I made an inquiry, I was informed that this is a much more general positive result of the reduction in public transport fees. There is no point in bringing in a good scheme and then leaving people standing in cold, windy and wet weather at bus stops with no buses. I also understand that applications will be sent to the National Transport Authority, NTA - instead of the National Transport Authority, it should be referred to as the "Never-Make-A-Decision Authority" because it is eternally slow - to provide extra buses to meet the capacity needs. It would be much better if services were staggered because it would give people more choice during rush hour. Can the Taoiseach ensure that the NTA will make overnight decisions on simple applications to provide enough buses to meet demand on these routes?

That is a fair point. Sometimes we make policy that is positive and popular and has the desired outcome in increasing the use of public transport. If we were to consider every eventuality, however, we would never make a decision in the first place. I make that as a general point. The NTA should make very quick decisions in terms of additionality. The capital is there to buy buses and to put additional services in place.