Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Transport if he intends to replace the Transport Act 1932; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13735/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I have indicated previously, I am committed to reforming the public transport market 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 replace the Transport Act 1932. This Act provides the statutory basis for regulating the bus market in Ireland and is totally outdated and in need of reform. It is a commitment of this Government to replace the Act with a modern regulatory framework which achieves a more open, effective and competitive regime.

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.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the replacement of EU Regulation 3820/85 in order to introduce new EU tachograph regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/05]

Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The European Parliament has recently completed its second reading of the Commission proposal to replace the existing drivers' hours rules and has proposed a number of amendments.

The Council now has three months to consider the Parliament's second reading. If the Council accepts the Parliament's second reading, the proposal could be finally adopted in July 2005. However, if the Council is unable to accept the Parliament's second reading, the conciliation procedure is invoked with a view to finding a compromise. In that event, the procedure leading to final adoption — assuming that an agreement can be reached between the Council and Parliament — could take until the end of 2005 to complete.