Special Committee on the Roads Bill, 1991 díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jul 1992

SECTION 60.

Mr. Yates

I move amendment No. 156:

In page 50, between lines 38 and 39, to insert the following "(c) public transport vehicles.".

I am looking for an exemption for Bus Éireann vehicles because public transport deserves support.

In terms of road traffic management of public transport it is more efficient to get 39 people into one bus than to have 28 cars carrying that number of people, therefore, we should do everything possible to promote public transport. If we do not promote it a heavier State subvention will be required.

It makes evident good sense and I ask that the amendment be accepted.

Mr. Smith

I do not propose to give a blanket exemption from tolls to public transport vehicles. Under section 55 (2) the National Roads Authority or local authority preparing a toll scheme will have to give special consideration to exempting vehicles providing public passenger transport services. This obligation was not in the 1979 toll roads Act and was inserted to specifically ensure that public transport would be particularly considered for exemption. This new provision gives the relevant authority the choice of exempting all such vehicles or perhaps only a certain category of public transport service. While they might be justified in exempting local bus services, the National Roads Authority or local authority could take the view that profit-making long distance bus services should pay for the benefit accruing to them in using the toll facility. We are talking about the possibility of being able to do what Deputy Yates is seeking and at the same time having greater flexibility. I accept the point he made and we will have to work a little harder to see in what way we can boost public transport. Clearly this is one facility where this can be accommodated so the provision does not preclude developments of that kind. It has the flexibility to cover it in specific categories or to regulate in a way best suited to the circumstances of the time

Mr. Yates

Under which section are there powers to exempt? This is the only section I could find with the exemption.

Mr. Smith

Section 55 (2).

Mr. Yates

Section 55 (2) states that consideration should be given to the question of exempting from tolls specified types of public transport vehicles. It mentions pedestrians, pedal cycles, invalid carriages, vehicles specially adapted for use by physically handicapped persons and vehicles providing public passenger service.

Mr. Smith

That covers it.

Mr. Yates

That possibly would.

Mr. Kavanagh

Will the Minister consider giving Members of the Oireachtas an exemption since, in the pursuance of our duties, we have to use many of these roads and will do so in the future? We are exempted under the Constitution from certain legal requirements in travelling and it would be reasonable on production of identification to have this facility since many of us have to travel these roads constantly in the course of our duties.

Mr. McEllistrim

I support Deputy Kavanagh. When we are travelling to and from the Dáil we should be exempt from toll charges.

Mr. Yates

I disagree. A very strong case for exemption could be made by doctors and many other people doing very important jobs if we got it.

Mr. Kavanagh

I asked the Minister's opinion, not the Deputy's.

Mr. Smith

We could make a case for a great number of groups as Deputy Yates said. However, a new roadway is a great facility for a Deputy on his or her way to Leinster House and the journey can be made considerably faster than on the old road. Deputies who travel to Leinster House without those facilities in many counties would be at a disadvantage. Therefore, on the basis of not discriminating, I have to refuse the request.

Mr. Boylan

Will the Minister raise the mileage allowance for the Deputies who have not got this facility?

Mr. Smith

We are trying to do a great deal in this Bill but it does not cover Members' expenses.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Section 60 agreed to.