415 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider giving responsibility for safety in public transport to the proposed new regulatory authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9755/04]

The primary aim of my proposals for reform of the regulatory framework for public transport is to provide for independent, economic regulation of public transport services. The Railway Safety Bill is currently before the Houses and this provides that the railway safety commission will have responsibility for safety regulation on the railways. There is an extensive body of legislation currently in place regulating public service vehicle safety and it is envisaged that this will continue to apply in the new regulatory environment for public transport. I am not, therefore, considering giving responsibility for safety in public transport to the proposed new regulatory body given the existing extensive public service vehicle safety arrangements already in place, and my existing proposals for rail safety.

416 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if there is a satisfactory partnership between the local authorities, the health and safety authorities and the transport providers to ensure the safety to public transport users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9812/04]

One of the five high level goals set out in my Department's statement of strategy is to ensure that transport infrastructure and services are provided, managed and used in a manner that protects people from death and injury. Within that goal, the safety of public transport users is a very high priority for my Department. I can assure the Deputy that the transport agencies under the aegis of my Department cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure the safety of public transport users.

417 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the criteria used in the relocation of space for stops and termini from Dublin Bus to Luas; if the passenger load of both systems was taken into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9813/04]

: The Dublin Light Rail Orders of 1999 define the alignment for the Luas lines. These set out in detail the space to be occupied by the light rail system and, therefore, the consequences for other on-street activities, such as bus stops and termini. Where the Luas works required the relocation of bus stops or termini, discussions took place between the parties involved, namely, the Garda Siochána, Dublin Bus and Dublin City Council to determine the alternative locations which were then the subject of a direction of the Garda Siochána. My Department was not privy to the criteria used in the selection of alternative locations for bus stops and termini.

418 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if the responsibility for determining the suitability and safety of bus stops and termini locations lies with Dublin Bus or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9814/04]

The power to determine the locations for the provision of bus stops and termini is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section the Commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops and termini in respect of any bus route. I understand that the gardaí engage in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85.

419 Mr. Eoin Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the safety standards he will impose on prospective private operations in view of his proposals to being competition into the bus market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9815/04]

There is an extensive body of legislation currently in place regulating public service vehicle safety governing both public and private operators and it is envisaged that this will continue to apply in the new regulatory environment for public transport.