Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I share some of the concerns of Senator Cannon. I fear the legislation is in danger of being damaged by the continuation of section 52 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act. We should be trying to prepare legislation that is adaptable and flexible and which allows people to compete on an even keel. When the Minister spoke in the House two weeks ago, he assured us he was trying to achieve this. However, I have some reservations. While competition is always desirable, I accept there should be some regulation because things can go wrong if there is a free for all. I am worried there is capacity to leave the competition elements of this legislation hamstrung. That is not desirable.

I am interested in hearing the Minister of State's rationale for retaining section 52. It is time we acknowledged that it is important that any operator seeking to provide a public bus service has access to all routes. The less differentiation between public and private providers, the better. As Senator Cannon implied, one does not mind who one's bus service provider is as long as one has a bus service. The legislation must ensure standards will be the same and that everybody will be subject to the same rules and regulations.

I worry that a provision that allows licences to be given away in advance of enactment of the Bill is not desirable. I await the Minister of State's comments on the rationale behind the reference to section 52 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.