Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I welcome the passing of this much-needed legislation. On Second Stage and Committee Stage we talked about the problems caused by having two pieces of separate legislation governing public transport and private transport. I refer in particular to the 41X issue in my constituency. I hope that is now behind us. I called for a level playing field. I hope that is what emerges and that there will not be a favouring of the private transport sector over the public transport sector. Due regard should be taken of the good work done by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus. I hope there will be a level playing field.

The amendments that came back from the Dáil pretty much reflect the discussion that took place on the Bill in this House before it went to the Dáil. I am happy enough and do not have any difficulty with them. I thank the Minister for bringing them back to this House and attempting to deal with them. I wish the legislation well. I thank the Minister and his departmental officials for their tremendous work.