Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of annual bus passenger licences applied for to his Department in each of the past five years; the average length of time taken to acquire an annual passenger bus licence from his Department; the average length of time taken to amend an annual passenger bus licence from his Department; the number of outstanding annual passenger licence applications that exist in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43371/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Transport the average length of time taken to authorise a new bus service or amend an existing bus service for Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus on expressway services or different routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43372/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.

The statistical information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table. My Department currently has a total of 34 outstanding annual passenger licences applications.

Applications for annual licences are generally dealt with on a first come, first served basis. However the processing of applications is critically influenced by issues such as the complexity of the application, the presence of other services on the route, or part of the route, to which the application relates or prior applications from other bus operators. Accordingly it is not possible to establish a specific time frame within which all licence applications are assessed. However, where applications are straightforward, they are processed within a matter of weeks.

The remit of the 1932 Act does not extend to the operation of services by Bus Eireann or Dublin Bus. However since 10 January 2001, both of these companies are required by Ministerial direction to notify my Department of any proposed new services or proposed changes to existing services at least four weeks prior to their introduction. Where proposed services by either company are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence under the 1932 Act, they are required to obtain my consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before they can introduce such services. Therefore, it is not possible to establish a specific time frame within which all notifications are processed. Again, where applications are straightforward they are processed within a matter of weeks.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Transport the arrangements being made to transfer the licensing function from his Department to the Dublin Transport Authority; if new legislation is required; and when the process is expected to be complete. [43373/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The forthcoming Public Transport Regulation Bill, which is currently being drafted, will introduce a new bus route licensing regime and replace of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. The Bill will also include the transfer of statutory responsibility for the licensing of commercial public bus services from my Department to the Dublin Transport Authority.

It is my intention to seek shortly Government approval to a General Scheme of the Bill with a view to publication early in 2009. It is not possible at this juncture to indicate when the necessary legislation will be enacted.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Transport if a recent High Court settlement has resulted in changes to the procedures for the issuing of licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43374/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department, in consultation with its legal advisers, is currently giving consideration to its bus licensing procedures in the light of the recent settlement.