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asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if any representations have been made to him by the State transport companies under his control concerning proposed legislation to liberalise access by private operators to existing bus routes and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
26.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when it is intended to meet the Government's commitment to publish the Transport Bill.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 26 together.
Work on preparing a new Bill to update the Road Transport Act, 1932, which regulates access to the domestic bus passenger market is now well advanced.
The Bill will contain proposals for greater liberalisation of the licensing system. I hope to reach conclusions shortly on the text of the Bill with a view to its submission to Government for approval to publish and circulate.
Over the past few years representations have been made to my Department in relation to the review of the legislation by Córas Iompair Éireann, various transport interests and individuals. The views of CIE and those of the other interests are being taken into account in the finalisation of the proposals.
