Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the Minister's reply and his comments on Committee Stage. I am worried that, while the opportunity presents itself now to address the issue, the Minister might wait to introduce the legislation relating to the other Acts. However, sudden changes can take place in the GDA and transport requirements pop up almost overnight with new developments and so on. Recently, in my constituency, the Circle Line Company ceased its services and this caused problems and inconvenience for many commuters. This happens throughout the GDA. How soon can we expect the new legislation, given it is almost as difficult to extract legislation from the Government as it is to extract hen's teeth? More assurance is needed, given that we are into a recessionary period and the economic impact on the transport sector has not been experienced previously because of increased costs, including fuel costs, which may have an impact on the business plans put forward.

Commuters' transport requirements must be met and there is no sense in allowing scenarios to develop such as that which developed in more recent times. Will the Minister clarify whether he will be enabled to pre-empt issues provided for in this legislation or will they fall to be dealt with in the proposed legislation to which he referred?

See this speech in context