Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 36, 44, 50 and 69 together.

As the House will be aware, I established a team, following the launch of Transport 21, to make recommendations on the establishment of a transport authority for the greater Dublin area. The team reported to me earlier this year. Since then, my Department has undertaken significant preparatory work and the matter has been considered by Government. As a result, the drafting of legislation establishing a Dublin transport authority is now at an advanced stage of preparation.

In my earlier reply to one of the Priority Questions, I indicated that the Government has decided that the regulation of the bus market and future decisions on the allocation of public subsidies for bus services in the greater Dublin area will be undertaken by the new Dublin transport authority. I will make an announcement on the other functions of the Dublin transport authority soon.

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