Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Transport his latest proposals in respect of reform of the regulatory framework for bus licensing; and when he will bring forward legislation in this regard. [29058/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Transport the progress made in establishing an independent authority to procure public transport; the nature and functions of this authority; when the enabling legislation for such an authority will be published; when the authority will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28832/05]

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will complete his consideration of proposals to establish an independent authority to procure public transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28825/05]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Transport the status of the Transport (Companies) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28822/05]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Transport if he remains committed to the break up of CIE into three separate entities; if so, when this will happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28833/05]

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has altered from the position that 25% of the Dublin Bus market would be opened up to competition; if so, if media reports indicating that the level of the market to be opened up to competition will be significantly lower than the earlier figure are correct; the market percentage which will be opened up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Minister for Transport the target date for the establishment of a national public transport commission; and his decision in respect of the arrangements that will apply to the greater Dublin area. [29083/05]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has completed his review of the work done within his Department on the restructuring of CIE; if a decision has been reached on the restructuring of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28821/05]

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Transport the details of his negotiations with representatives of Dublin Bus drivers on the further opening of the bus market to private operators; the number of meetings that have been held; the outstanding issues to be agreed; and when the negotiations will be finalised. [29079/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 106, 107, 117, 123, 131, 144, 148 and 163 together.

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 the customer get a high quality of service and best value for money. I also intend to re-organise CIE to provide greater operational autonomy to the operating subsidiaries.

The bus system is essential to an effective public transport system, with approximately 75% of journeys on public transport being made on bus today. I am committed to providing a regulatory framework which will allow public and private bus companies respond more effectively to the needs of the travelling public. In this regard, I propose to establish an independent national public transport commission to, inter alia, allocate Exchequer subvention for public transport services, both bus and rail, through public service contracts, to license commercial bus services and to regulate fares.

Officials in my Department held extensive consultations with the management of CIE, private bus companies and the CIE unions on how best to give effect to the reform of the market. My officials have met with union representatives on 12 occasions since March this year and held a similar number of meetings with each of the other stakeholders. I have sought the views of stakeholders on how, in a pragmatic manner, greater competition can be introduced into the bus market. I am currently considering the views and issues put to me by the various stakeholders and I hope to publish legislation in that regard in the New Year.