Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct that this was debated on Committee Stage and we had a good discussion. This is a matter for reform of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the Transport Act 1958. It is my intention to include proposals for an entirely new bus licensing regime in a public transport regulation Bill and I hope to bring that to Government and the House quickly. It is early to be too precise on the detail of the proposal but the new Bill will deal with the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the Transport Act 1958, which relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies with the 1932 Act relating to private transport operators. The new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, and the powers to grant licences in the GDA will be given to the DTA. The new Bill will also encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the GDA and those have to be consistent with the PSO directive mentioned earlier. Acceptance of the amendment would mean the DTA would be given responsibility for the licensing system under the 1932 Act and, in advance of the pursuit of the replacement provisions I will promote in the proposed legislation, that is not a tenable position. I assure the Deputy I will move on the reform of the 1932 and 1958 Acts quickly to meet the requirements of the amendment.

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