Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

Ultimately, it would serve the service provider, as it does in all completely regulated markets.

I would agree with the points made by Deputy Broughan in regard to the United Kingdom, where it has not worked, either by way of bundling or complete deregulation. There is no regulation of commercial bus services in Britain and the Deputy has cited some examples in that regard which show that, ultimately, in the last mile of services, it is the consumer who suffers.

The general point which the Government makes is that while there is a genuine and recognised need for reform, the Bill as proposed strikes a reasonable balance. We are always open to suggestions as to how it can be improved but it allows that reasonable balance and, crucially, it allows for flexibility to deal with emerging issues in regard to the provision of public services.

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