Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Road Transport Act.

John Bruton

Question:

323 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise when meetings took place with PAMBO, FOTO, CIE and IBEC in relation to the updating of the Road Transport Act, 1932, which currently governs bus services in the country; the further meetings, if any, which are planned with any of these organisations; if written submissions have been received from any of these organisations; if so, if these will be made publicly available; and if she has a time scale for the conclusion of her current consideration of this matter with a view to the enactment of the necessary amending legislation. [1405/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke):

Details of the most recent meetings with the organisations concerned are as follows: PAMBO, 11 December 1995; CIE, 8 March 1996; IBEC, 14 March 1996; FOTO, 25 July 1996.

During the course of these meetings, each organisation outlined its views about the Road Transport Act, 1932, and was invited to make a further written submission to the Department. No such submission has been received to date from any of the organisations concerned.

It is clear that this is a very complex matter and that there are no simple solutions. It is important that the proposals which emerge establish a fair balance between the legitimate interests of the users and providers of road passenger services. At this stage I cannot say precisely when I will be in a position to bring forward legislation.

I need time to consider the matter further and I will of course take account of the views that my Department has received from the meetings with the various bodies. While I have no plans at present for further meetings I am always open to hearing further views from interested bodies.