asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if it is his intention to license private bus operators to operate scheduled services; and if so, when he will be in a position to announce details of the licensing system.
21.
Written Answers. - Private Bus Licences.
18.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number of applications for licences his Department have received from the private sector to provide public road transport/passenger services in each of the past five years; the percentage of the applications which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 21 together.
The Government recently approved the Minister's proposals for updating the Road Transport Act, 1932, which regulates access to the domestic bus passenger market. The new Bill is currently being drafted, as a matter of priority, with a view to its enactment as soon as possible. While details of the changes proposed must await approval by the Government of the text of the Bill and its introduction in the Oireachtas, I can say that the Bill will provide for more flexible arrangements for the licensing of private bus operators.
In so far as applications for road passenger licences are concerned, I assume that the Deputy is interested in licence applications for proposed new services. While statistics for the period prior to 1986 are not readily available, the following are the statistics for 1986, 1987 and 1988: In 1986, 48 applications were received and processed of which 58 per cent were successful. In 1987 there were 82 applications of which 37 per cent were successful and in 1988, 43 applications were processed of which 53 per cent were successful. A further 22 applications received during 1988 are under consideration.