asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the present position regarding the deregulation of passenger and goods road traffic; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Road Transport Services.
94.
The licensing of road passenger transport services is regulated by the Road Transport Act, 1932 (as amended). The provisions and operation of that Act have been under review, including the question of liberalising the legislative restrictions on private bus operators. I plan to put proposals before the Government soon for the updating of the 1932 Act.
With regard to road haulage the process of liberalisation is now virtually complete. The Road Transport Act, 1986, provides for the removal of all quantitative restrictions on the grant of licences to road haulage operators over two years. Phase 1, which came into effect on 30 September 1986 provided for the grant of unrestricted licences called road freight carrier's licences to all existing licensees and to operators in the exempted areas who held current road freight certificates on that date. The second phase, which will come into effect on 30 September 1988 will provide for the grant of licences to all applicants who satisfy the EC qualitative requirements of good repute, sound financial standing and professional competence.