Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 91: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans regarding the privatisation of Dublin Bus routes; and when he intends to implement them. [16179/06]

Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 160: To ask the Minister for Transport when he will implement measures to allow for competition in the Dublin bus market; when this will progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16199/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 160 together.

I am committed to modernizing the regulatory framework governing public transport, not just in Dublin, but nationally. In particular, at the launch of Transport 21, I said that I was convinced that we need a new approach to transport in the Greater Dublin Area, delivered through a single authority with the power to ensure joined-up thinking and delivery across all transport modes.

In advancing the regulatory agenda, discussions have taken place with the key stakeholders. These discussions form part of a process of engagement that will facilitate and inform the determination of the appropriate structure for the new framework and supporting legislation.

This process will also be informed by the work of the Team which was appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I have now received the report of the team and am currently reflecting on its recommendations. I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform in the context of the institutional structures recommended by the Team. I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.

In the interim, under the existing regulatory regime, my Department will continue to process any applications or notifications for new or amended bus services received from both private bus operators and Dublin Bus.