Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Transport if he intends to appoint an independent transport regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13734/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated previously, I am committed to reforming the public transport market in order to provide opportunities for both public and private companies to deliver increased public services and to ensure the taxpayer and customer get a high quality of service and the best value for money. In this context, it remains my intention to establish an independent national public transport procurement and regulatory body to, inter alia, procure socially necessary bus services, license commercial services and regulate fares.

Officials in my Department are continuing to meet stakeholders regarding their views on how to reform the market within the framework I have set out. When I have had an opportunity to consider these views I will decide how best, in a spirit of partnership, to give effect to reform of the public transport market.