Dรกil Question No: 90 To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to commission a report to give a realistic picture of the way the State compares with our European neighbours in view of the European Commission highlighting the numerous difficulties faced when attempting to accurately benchmark Public Service Obligation subsidy levels across different countries (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. - Catherine Murphy.
Answered by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross REPLY The Deputy is aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits toward the instigation of a full review of public transport policy. As I informed members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee last week, I intend to consider with my Department later in the year on how best to progress that commitment. It is my belief that any such review is the best framework within which to consider fully the levels and type of funding made available to support the provision of public transport. Therefore while I have no plans at present to commission a report as suggested by the Deputy, I do believe the substantive issue of how we fund public transport services will form part of the proposed review of public transport policy.