Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I have difficulty with paragraph 10(1)(a). I could agree to the passage of the section only if we deleted that paragraph. It requires the authority to consider the likely level of demand when licensing a new commercial transport service. I see no reason for a regulator of commercial services to consider whether or not there is sufficient demand for a service.

This goes against the whole ethos of commercial competition and of what happens when people or commercial bodies take a risk. For example, when I started in my business there were no self-service shops. It is as though the State were saying the old counter service shops should stay because starting a self-service shop is too big a risk. What would have happened if civil servants had to take account of the risk shopkeepers were taking before they were allowed to get into a new area? The same would have applied to Ryanair. What if someone had to take into account the risk Ryanair was taking before it was given permission to go into competition with other airlines?

I disagree with the principle of this measure. If we are to have competition it is up to those who are in business to take risks. The essence of competition is to encourage risk takers to say they are going to attempt to make this succeed. I do not think it is up to the authority to decide not to allow a person to compete. It should not have to take that into account. Risk takers and business people will take a chance if they believe there will be success. They will not take a risk if they do not believe there will be success. I do not believe this provision should be included in the Bill. I am opposed to paragraph 10(1)(a). Otherwise, I am happy with the section. I urge the Minister of State to give serious consideration to that.