Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1993

Vol. 436 No. 7

Written Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.

Michael Bell

Ceist:

111 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the case of an application by a company (details supplied) for the carriage of free travel card holders; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the closing date for applications was 31 August 1993, and that three months have now elapsed; his views on whether there was considerable discussion and communications about this matter and that his Department were fully familiar with the background and details of this company's position; when he will make a decision in this case; if the decision will be made prior to the busy Christmas period; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

The application by the company concerned to participate as a private bus operator in my Department's free travel scheme has been given careful consideration. In assessing this application, my Department had to take a number of factors into account. These included an examination of the level of bus services currently available to free travel scheme customers in the region, the question of whether there is a need to provide a greater level of such services having regard to customers needs, the possible effects on existing operator services and the financial resources available under the free travel scheme.

In July 1993, it was decided that the needs of the Department's free travel passengers would best be served by inviting tenders from licensed bus operators for the routes covered in the company's application. A number of tenders were received by the closing date — 31 August 1993 — including a tender from the company in question. Each tender had to be carefully examined to compare the tendered price for each bus route against the frequency and quality of service being offered. It was necessary also to verify each tendering company's compliance with licensing and tax clearance requirements.

It is expected that a decision will be made very shortly. All of the bus operators who submitted tenders, including the company concerned, will be notified of the outcome without delay.