asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received any application under Part V of the Road Transport Act, 1933, requesting him to make an order transferring the passenger licence of the Catherwood Bus Company to an authorised company, and, if so, if he is aware of the apprehension among the many users of the Catherwood buses that these buses will be taken off the Dublin route after the transfer is made; whether, before making the order for the transfer, steps will be taken to ensure that the buses will not be taken off the Dublin route, and that the reduced fares and other facilities enjoyed by the users of the Catherwood buses will be maintained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Catherwood Bus Company.
I have had applications from the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) and the Great Southern Railways Companies for orders under Part V of the Road Transport Act, 1933, in respect of passenger licences held by Messrs. H.M.S. Catherwood, Ltd. Representations made to me in relation to the applications from the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) are at present under consideration.
There has not been, nor can there be, under existing legislation, compulsion on any licensee to operate an omnibus service.
The Road Transport Act, 1933, is based on acceptance by the Oireachtas of the view that the public interest requires the railway, canal and tramway companies to have the opportunity of acquiring a predominant position in road transport. The Act makes all the necessary provisions to that end. The Road Transport Regulations, 1932, had previously set maximum fares to which in the public interest omnibus undertakers should be restricted but within which they should be free to vary their fares.
The railway companies are aware that they are expected not only to acquire services but to include in their future activities that of enterprising, progressive road transport undertakings. This was dealt with fully in my speeches on the several stages of the Road Transport Bill this year. The companies are also aware that I have full discretion to license new undertakers if they fail to provide services necessary for the public convenience.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will he give the House an undertaking that before he consents to the compulsory acquisition of the Catherwood services by the Great Northern Railway Company he will get an undertaking from the Great Northern Railway Company that they will provide an adequate passenger transport service for the people of Donegal and the other areas affected?
I would refer the Deputy to the terms of the Act.
I know the terms of the Act perfectly well. I want to know whether before that splendid transport service is broken up the Minister will undertake that the Great Northern Railway Company will put as good a system in its place. It is no remedy whatever to destroy the Catherwood service and then to give somebody else a licence. The existing service is a good service. Will the Minister undertake that as good a service will be put in its place?
Does the Minister's answer mean that in all probability the present facilities will not be continued?
No.
Then there is a reasonable hope that the present facilities will be continued?
It is the intention to operate the Act for the purpose of implementing the policy which was explained to and approved of by the Dáil.
I should like to know what is going to be the effect of the Act in this case. Is there a reasonable hope that the present facilities, which are of great value to persons resident in this State, will be continued, because people believe they will not be continued?
The Act gives power to the Minister to license independent operators to conduct any service which a railway company declines to provide and which is necessary in the public interest. A licence thus given cannot be acquired.
The Act provides power for a railway company compulsorily to acquire an existing bus service. It also confers on the Minister the right to give a licence to a new company to set up a passenger transport service where railway companies will not operate. What I am asking is whether, before he destroys the existing passenger transport service operating in the area served by the Catherwood bus service, he will get an undertaking from the Great Northern Railway Company that they will put as good a service in its place and, in the event of their refusing that undertaking, will he allow the Catherwood service to continue?