asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the long delays which have taken place and are taking place in assessing and paying compensation where orders have been made transferring licences (issued in respect of the road merchandise carrying business) under the Road Transport Act, 1933; and, if so, is he prepared to take steps to expedite the payment of compensation to those persons whose business has been compulsorily acquired.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compensation for Transfer of Transport Licences.
I am aware that in some instances delays have occurred in the assessment and payment of compensation owing largely to the difficulties experienced by ex-licensees in the submission of accounts sufficiently detailed to enable a suitable offer to be made by the acquiring company. Where agreement as to the amount of compensation is not arrived at between the parties, provision is made in Section 56 of the Road Transport Act, 1933, for the appointment of an arbitrator. All notifications of failure to agree received up to the 7th instant have been dealt with by taking the necessary steps for the appointment of arbitrators.
Can the Minister expedite the procedure in these cases? The transfer has taken place for almost 12 months in certain cases and no compensation has yet been paid.
It is not clear from the Deputy's question whether he is complaining of delays in negotiating agreements between the acquiring company and the ex-licensees or delays in the giving of awards by arbitrators appointed. So far as I am aware there has been no delay on the part of arbitrators in determining awards. Some delays have occurred in the negotiating of agreements due to the absence of accounts and similar difficulties but, in such cases, if the ex-licensees desire it, they can proceed forthwith to have an arbitrator appointed on application to my Department.