Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I do not believe there is any desire in the House for us to prolong the debate. We are anxious to proceed to Committee Stage. I will make one or two other points and conclude. I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the reminder.

The approach adopted in section 52 with regard to the direct award contracts awards or recognises in the first instance that such contracts are required to ensure the existing public service, PSO services, bus and rail passenger services in the greater Dublin area can continue to operate and attract necessary State subvention, given the importance of those services to the travelling public. If that course were not pursued, the maintenance of existing bus and rail services in the greater Dublin area would be threatened. I do not believe anyone in this House would want to see that happen.

A number of Members have adverted to integrated ticketing. I will not go into the details at this point. The integrated ticketing project since it was taken over by the integrated ticketing board in 2005, is on schedule. A number of smartcards have already been issued by various companies. The integration will continue this year and next year and the whole project should be well completed by 2011.

With regard to the question of the sharing of facilities, this is provided for in current legislation but it is also provided for in previous legislation. It is a matter for the Garda Síochána under road traffic legislation to ensure the safety of the travelling public. The Garda Síochána can determine the sites and whether sites can be shared.

I thank Members for their contributions to the Second Stage debate. I look forward to Committee Stage and to Report and Final Stages. We are working under a time constraint and I wish to acknowledge the co-operation and support of the Deputies opposite in bringing the Bill through the House within the required timeframe.

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