May I raise an issue in private before we conclude?
Business of Joint Committee
Private session is over, but the Deputy may just mention it.
I want clarification on documentation that was circulated by the clerk to the committee today.
That has been dealt with. We have until 10 September to give our views on the bus licensing regime. We have invited members to submit their views to the clerk.
I have no problem if the Chair wants to deal with it in public. The National Transport Authority is suggesting it will issue licensing regulations or guidelines to us on 28 July. It is ridiculous for these to be issued then and circulated to the industry and Members of the Oireachtas during August, the one month during when we are all, technically, on holiday.
We will write to the National Transport Authority.
I accept what Deputy Dooley is saying. I am more concerned that something is going out for public consultation in August when most people will be on holiday. It is a bad time to ask private bus operators, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus or the public to make submissions then. Generally, people will not read the notices put in the newspapers then.
We will write to the——
It is unacceptable for a State agency to seek information from us, the Minister and the public during the holiday period. A letter should be written on behalf of this committee suggesting it should be done at another time.
We will write to the National Transport Authority suggesting that it set the closing date at the end of September to give members a chance to respond.
It should advertise it in September. If it advertises it on 29 July, it will not get good representation from the public.
We will request that. I wish everyone a good holiday.
The joint committee adjourned at 5.30 p.m. until 3.45 p.m. on Wednesday, 8 September 2010.