Vol. 510 No. 1
43 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to reform the Road Transport Act, 1932, or to alter its interpretation in order to introduce competition for bus services; and, if so, when these changes will be made. [20816/99]
There is widespread acceptance that there are a number of difficulties associated with the implementation of the Road Transport Act, 1932, which is the legislative basis for the licensing of scheduled bus services, other than those provided by Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath. The Act requires me to have regard to the services on or in the neighbourhood of the proposed service when considering a licence application.
As I have previously indicated, my Department has commenced preliminary work on a review of the options for effective regulation of the bus market with a view to introducing legislation to replace the 1932 Act. This review will focus on improving customer service, effective enforcement, fair competition and appropriate integration of services.
