asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give details of the number of new road passenger services licences, other than school bus licences, which have been issued under section 7 of the Road Transport Act, 1932 for the twelve months ended 31st October, 1968.

During the year ended 31st October, 1968, I issued new licences under the Road Transport Act, 1932 for the operation of road passenger services, other than school transport services, as follows:—

Could the Minister say what was the number of new cattle truck licences issued during that period? Is it right to say there were none?

I have dealt with road passenger services. Why does the Deputy not put down a question about cattle truck licences?

If in view of the fact that since 1932 no new licences were granted to people in the cattle trade——

That does not arise. The question is about road passenger services licences.

I will put down a question for next week.

15.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has had discussions with the Private Bus Operators' Association with a view to considering the amendment of the Road Transport Act, 1932; if he intends to take steps to amend the Act; and, if so, if he will give details of such amendment.

Following prosecutions for alleged offences under the Road Transport Act, 1932, which regulates the operation of road passenger services, the Private Bus Operators' Association alleged, early this year, that the Act was being applied in a manner contrary to the original intention and long standing practice in relation to the hiring of buses and coaches for private parties. The Association sought a meeting with me to discuss the amendment of the Act. I have not so far met the Association and am not considering any steps to amend the Acts, as I am awaiting the outcome of an appeal in the courts affecting a number of prosecutions.