Vol. 510 No. 1
56 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to establish an independent transport regulator similar to those which operate for other sectors under her aegis; and the EU obligations, if any, she has in this regard. [20817/99]
Government approval has already been given for the preparation of legislation to establish an independent regulator for Irish airports and related aviation matters. I expect to have the relevant Bill published early next year and my intention is to have it enacted and the regulator appointed as quickly as possible thereafter.
I assume that the Deputy is, therefore, referring to an independent regulator for the land transport sectors which operate under the aegis of my Department.
The independent review of railway safety in Ireland identified a number of options for the future regulation of railway safety in Ireland. My Department is currently considering these options, and is in consultation with the Health and Safety Authority, CIE and the trade unions, prior to preparing proposals for new railway safety legislation. One of the issues being addressed in the review is whether the functions relating to railway safety regulation should remain in my Department or whether it should be dealt with by an outside body. I hope to make a statement on the matter later this year.
My Department is also considering the updating of the Road Transport Act, 1932, which governs bus licensing. One of the issues that will be considered in the course of that review is where future responsibility for the regulation of the bus market should lie.
I am not aware of any existing EU obligations requiring the establishment of an independent regulator covering the transport areas for which I have responsibility.
