Dáil Éireann - Volume 683 - 26 May, 2009

Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.

Deputy Liz McManus Deputy Liz McManus

Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to revise the 1932 bus licensing legislation; the proposed measures the new legislation will contain to reform the system of bus licensing; the reason for the delay in introducing this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21260/09]

Deputy Noel Dempsey Deputy Noel Dempsey

  Deputy Noel Dempsey:In January 2009, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace 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. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the proposed licensing regime will provide a level playing field for all bus market participants.

The new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus passenger services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. It will establish a clear framework for assessing applications for bus route licences as well as a modern system of penalties and associated powers for revocation of licences.

519

The General Scheme of the Bill also contains proposals for extending nationally the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 in relation to the provision of public service [519] obligations that are consistent with EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road.

The Bill will assign responsibility to the Dublin Transport Authority for bus route licensing and the award of public service contracts nationwide. It will also provide for the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA, as well as the renaming of the DTA as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national responsibility in relation to commercial bus licensing, bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

There has been no delay in introducing the legislation.

In the light of the Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill, the Bill is now being drafted and it will be published as soon as possible.

Dáil Éireann 683 Written Answers. Proposed Legislation.

Questions

20090526