Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I have listened to what the Minister of State said but I do not accept that anyone who is providing a bus service is determined to diminish the level of service being provided by someone else. Someone who proposes to provide a service or go into competition with another provider is making a commercial decision. Such a person will not invest in something which will not work.

I am reminded of what is happening since the collapse of the viaduct in Malahide. There was a sudden need for a bus service, and I understand Dublin Bus and others stepped admirably into the breach. A very good bus service is being provided. Would this legislation have prevented that happening? Would the authority have been required to carry out an assessment of need?

I believe this provision is too restrictive. The Minister of State's aim is laudable but he must have faith in people who are running businesses and are prepared to take risks. They are doing so because they feel there is a commercial need for their product. The State should involve itself as little as possible when private operators are prepared to take risks and provide services which give much better value to the taxpayer. We should provide the taxpayer with as few opportunities for waste of money as possible. This measure will restrict competition. Notwithstanding what the Minister of State has said, I worry that it will stand in the way of the development of competition.