andMr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will give the following details of each application for a road passenger licence refused by him in the past two years: (i) the name of the applicant and the proposed service, (ii) the route and frequency of services, and (iii) the fare to be charged; the reasons for the refusal of the application and where the refusal was based on CIE or other licensed private operators providing existing adequate services if he will give details of those services as to route covered, frequency of service, and fare charged.

I am not satisfied that those applicants whose applications for road passenger licences have been refused would wish to have details of their applications published. In the circumstances I consider that it would not be appropriate for me to furnish the information sought in the Deputies' question.

If the Minister were to be satisfied privately that the applicants whom the Deputies who put the question down had in mind were happy to have these details disclosed, would he provide them?

I have no doubt that if the applicants made the information available the Deputies would not have any reason why I should make them available.

I had in mind the applicants indicating to the Deputies that they had no objection to the Minister stating the facts which are being here sought for them.

I do not think that any applicant will want that, but if these people were satisfied to make the information available to others, I do not see why it should then be the subject of a parliamentary question.