Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 3: To ask the Minister for Transport the reforms he has planned for public bus transport in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18002/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The programme for Government contains a commitment to expedite the establishment of a Dublin transport authority, which will have the necessary powers to ensure the delivery of the integrated public transport system envisioned under Transport 21. The Dublin Transport Authority Bill is on Committee Stage in the Seanad. The Bill sets out the mechanisms for the award of contracts for subvention in line with the new regime introduced under the new EU regulation on public service obligations in the transport sector, which will become mandatory from next year.

The programme for Government also includes a commitment to improving bus services under Transport 21 by reforming the bus licensing provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants, both public and private.

Proposals for a new bus licensing regime will follow in subsequent legislative proposals to be contained in a public transport regulation Bill. It is too early to be precise on the detail of the proposals except to confirm that the new Bill will deal with the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 relating to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. The new bus licensing regime will be designed in a manner consistent with the new EU regulation. It is envisaged that the new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, and that the power to grant licences in the greater Dublin area will be given to the Dublin transport authority. The new Bill will encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the greater Dublin area that are consistent with the EU PSO regulation.

While it is not possible at this time to indicate precisely when the legislative proposals on regulatory reform of the bus market will be published, applications for new bus licences and notifications from State bus operators will continue to be processed under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, and the notification system with reference to the Transport Act 1958, as appropriate.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister is a prisoner of Bus Éireann and the unions. This was highlighted by his refusal to accept an amendment to the Dublin Transport Authority Bill moved by Senator Donohoe in the Seanad to introduce competition in the bus market. A supposed core policy of the Progressive Democrats is to increase competition in the bus market, but its Members voted against the amendment. Half an hour ago, the Minister failed to do his job, namely, to deliver on the promises to introduce competition made by his predecessors, the current Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Cullen, and Deputy Brennan.

"Competition" is not just a word. It means new choices and routes for new communities, but the Minister has refused them. This situation will continue until he reforms the Act. While he stated that he does not know when he will reform it, he will never do so despite this golden opportunity to do it. Will he reconsider his opinions on Fine Gael's amendment to introduce competition in Dublin and amend the DTA Bill immediately?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is incorrect in so far as introducing competition, new choices and new routes are concerned. The private sector can apply at any stage for a licence——

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If the operators can get a licence.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

——to operate on any new route. Licences are being processed weekly. The Deputy's mistake is in respect of non-commercial subvented services. The commercial sector will not become involved in them because its members want to make a profit.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not true.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not true to state that we are not introducing competition. The DTA Bill will leave the 1932 and 1958 Acts in place so that anyone, including Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, can operate a commercial route in this city.

I accept a point made by the Deputy, one that I have also made, that is, the 1932 Act must be reformed, amended and streamlined. My priority is to pass the DTA Bill through the House with the co-operation of all Deputies, immediately after which I intend to reform the 1932 Act. Subsequently, we will have a good public transport system and good competition on commercial routes.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister is a prisoner of the unions and Bus Éireann. Everyone entitled to compete for a route should be entitled to the PSO. That the PSO is a subsidy does not mean that private enterprises would not be prepared to accept it or a lesser subsidy than Bus Éireann's.

However, it is not just a question of Bus Éireann and the unions, which is the Minister's point. Rather, it is a matter of consumers, new choices and new communities. There are no new options. Is it not the case that the Minister could amend the DTA Bill to do away with the licensing process? Morton's Circle Line is lauded as one of the city's best bus service providers, but it is breaking the law because it does not have a licence. The Minister stated that it should not break the law, but should it cease operating? A better alternative would be for the Minister to table amendments to the Bill to allow further competition.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irrespective of how out of date a law is, I do not, and no Deputy should, condone any breach of it.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister should change the law.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is what we will do in respect of——

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government will not do it.

Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister should be allowed to complete his contribution.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government will never do it.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If the Deputy does not want to listen to my answer, there is no point in me speaking.