Answered in Dáil

To ask the Minister for Transport when he will introduce legislation to replace the 1932 bus licensing law; what the heads of the Bill will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Liz McManus. (Nominated by: Thomas P. Broughan).
For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 17th December, 2008.
Ref No:   46351/08

Answered by Noel Dempsey T.D.
(Minister for Transport)

REPLY

Proposals for a new bus licensing regime will be contained a forthcoming Public Transport Regulation Bill which is currently being drafted.  The Bill will deal with the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. It will also encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the Greater Dublin Area in a manner consistent with EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public service obligations and similar to the contractual framework used in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008.

It is my intention to seek Government approval to a General Scheme of the Bill shortly with a view to publication in 2009.