asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has given licences to a company (name supplied) to operate passenger road services under the Road Transport Act, 1932; if so, if he will give details of the conditions under which these licences were issued; and if the company in question is an Irish company.

Licences under the Road Transport Act, 1932, are granted to operators of motor coach tours originating abroad to operate tours in Ireland on the following conditions:—

(a) the tour originates outside the State;

(b) the tour is of not less than four nights duration in the State; and

(c) the tour is confined to persons normally resident outside the State who have made advance reservations.

No licences to operate such tours have been issued to the company mentioned by the Deputy. I understand, however, that it is this company's intention to supply coaches to another operator who has been licensed under the conditions I have mentioned. The company is registered in Ireland.