Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

Is the new chief executive from this country? The Minister said it was an international competition. On the appointment of members of the public, it is good news that a number of people have put themselves forward for that position. It was my view on Committee Stage of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill that the people should elect the key members of the board, as would happen in many other countries. These are people with an expertise and interest in the matter.

Will the criteria for membership change now that the body is to become the national transport authority rather than just one for the Dublin area? We spent approximately 13 hours on Committee Stage of the DTA Bill because it was so significant but is the Minister envisaging any of the powers of the regulator being changed in any way in the new Bill? For example, what will be the ability of the new regulator to grant bus contracts and other public contracts for the whole of Ireland?

I presume the new national transport authority will now have authority over all public service contracts throughout the country. Does the Minister envisage that the licensing Bill will bring about the final changes for that to happen and what will be the timeframe on it?

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