I call on Deputy O'Keeffe, Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport, to move the motion.
Report on Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council: Motion
I move:
That Dáil Éireann:
(1) notes the agreed Report of the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport under Standing Order 114 on the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No. 1073/2009 on common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services - COM (2017) 647, which was laid before Dáil Éireann on 13th December, 2017, in accordance with Standing Order 114(3)(b);
(2) having regard to the aforementioned Report, and in exercise of its functions under section 7(3) of the European Union Act 2009, is of the opinion that the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1073/2009 on common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services - COM (2017) 647 does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity for the reasons set out in section 4 of the Report; and
(3) notes that, pursuant to Standing Order 114(4), a copy of this Resolution together with the reasoned opinion and the aforementioned Report shall be sent to the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.”
I wish to voice my disappointment and concern at the lack of urgency that the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister, Deputy Ross, have given to this legislation.
We took a decision - you took a decision - earlier that this would be taken without debate. It is merely a matter for you, as Vice Chairman of the committee to move the motion.
Go raibh maith agat.
On a point of order, we are here talking about road safety Bills and everything else. We are paying lip service to rural buses. This has a direct impact on rural buses. I am a member of a rural transport scheme.
Hold on.
No. This has been languishing there for six months.
It may well be-----
It would be more appropriate for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to bring this legislation forward-----
I want to make-----
-----and allow some freedom in the market for private bus owners-----
Deputy-----
-----to deliver a service in rural Ireland.
Please-----
It is very important.
In the spirit of Christmas-----
In the spirit of Christmas I will sit down, but it is shameful that it has been hanging around for so long.
Let me be very clear. I want to make two points. The House decided earlier that this would be taken without debate.
Absolutely.
You have agreed and allotted time so there is no question about it. We have to take it and-----
Time to make a point of order.
That is not a point of order.
Happy Christmas.
I was only making a statement.
In addition, I understand that Deputy Mattie McGrath's name is almost first in the list to contribute to the legislation and we were here until 11.15 last night.
It is taking too long; we cannot get in.
You, unfortunately, did not get in, but you will get in, if it is taken today.
Question put and agreed to.