Alan M. Dukes
Question:11 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will appoint a regulator to oversee bus competition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10579/02]
Other Questions. - Public Transport.
The consultation paper, A New Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Public Transport, which I published in September 2000, outlined the Government's proposals for institutional and regulatory reform of the public transport system, including independent regulation. Recognising the scope and importance of the proposed changes, the paper has been the subject of extensive consultation with the social partners through the public transport partnership forum. At the request of the forum I extended the consultation period to allow it to carry out independent research to assist it in making a formal response to the consultation paper. The consultants engaged by the forum have reported and I expect that the forum will shortly conclude its consideration of the proposals and submit its response.
In the meantime proposals for a new strategic land use and transport authority for the greater Dublin area were published in April 2001 in the Government consultation paper, Institutional Arrangements for Land Use and Transport in the greater Dublin area. Legislation to establish this authority is being prepared and a consultancy study on the regulation of the bus market outside the greater Dublin area is nearing completion.
(Mayo): Who will the regulator be? There are ongoing court challenges by private companies against Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath and these lead to the courts becoming the regulator. There was a recent landmark judgment in the High Court in the case taken by the Nestor bus company in Galway against Bus Éireann. These cases have opened up a certain amount of competition. Who will the regulator be and who will have the final say? Would the Minister favour the appointment of an independent regulator to oversee the market?
The appointment of a regulator would be very desirable, particularly in public transport. The recent decision in the Nestor case is being studied in my Department. The idea of a regulator is a good one but I would not want to deal with the question of competition with too heavy a hand. The work we have done in the forum, the preparation and introduction of the legislation and the changes resultant in the 1932 legislation form an agenda for whoever comes into my office after the general election. He or she will have a packed agenda in that regard. What we have done has led up to that. The appointment of a regulator would serve everyone in the bus market but competition must be introduced properly and legally, in line with the updating of the 1932 Act.
Does the Minister not accept that she is now the regulator?
As of now, yes.
We do not need to appoint a regulator. We already have one. What is the Minister doing to regulate the market? Fleets of buses are travelling the length and breadth of Ireland with out licences. When will the regulator take action to prevent the illegal operation of bus fleets?
I am the regulator and the Minister responsible. Deputy Higgins asked me about the introduction of an independent regulator. The legislative approach we are adopting is the very best way following the very good discussions at the transport forum which, I understand, will shortly give to me its final submission. I will then finalise my proposals for institutional and regulatory reform. As of now, I am the regulator and legislation should precede the introduction of regulation.
What about the illegal buses?