andMr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the reasons CIE are protected by licensing arrangements from competition by private hauliers and bus operators.
Written Answers. - Transport Licensing Arrangements.
49.
I do not accept that CIE road freight services are protected from competition. The greater part of road freight haulage in this country is undertaken on an own account basis and, as regards haulage undertaken by the professional haulage industry, operators other than CIE have by far the larger share. Present policy in regard to road freight transport is for a gradual move towards further liberalisation of road freight transport subject only to qualitative control.
As regards licensing arrangements in relation to road passenger transport, the position of CIE arises from their status as an existing operator and their duty under section 7 of the Transport Act, 1958 to provide reasonable, efficient and economical transport services with due regard to safety of operation, the encouragement of national economic development and the maintenance of reasonable conditions of employment for its employees.
I should add that private operators who hold road passenger licences also enjoy protection under the licensing arrangements and under section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958, which provides that CIE shall not, without the consent of the Minister for Tourism and Transport, initiate or alter any passenger road service so as to compete with a licensed road passenger service.