6.—(1) In deciding whether to issue or refuse a permit or to attach conditions to a permit, the Department shall in particular have regard (where appropriate) to the following matters—
(a)the suitability of the routes on which the service may be provided under the permit;
(b)any applications for permits which the Department considers relevant;
(c)the extent, if any, to which the needs of persons likely to use the service to be provided are already adequately and economically served;
(d)the general effect which the grant of the permit would be expected to have on—
(i)other holders of permits;
(ii)persons with whom the Department has a service agreement;
(e)the need for ensuring fair competition among persons providing public passenger transport services;
(f)such other matters as may be prescribed.
(2) The Department shall also take into account—
(a)any recommendations made by the Consumer Council;
(b)any representations by—
(i)persons already providing services on any road along or near the routes which are the subject of the application;
(ii)the Chief Constable;
(iii)a district council;
(iv)a Northern Ireland department; or
(v)the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
(3) In subsection (2)(b)(i) “services” means—
(a)public passenger transport services; or
(b)any other services to which section 33(1)(a) applies.