John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Murphy will give us a comprehensive note on the 21 unused carriages. Will he ensure we get the information right from the beginning in the case of Jacobs Engineering and in terms of the procurement process to indicate how we arrived at this position? The particular points raised by members were on the operational costs of the carriages and, in particular, the cost of maintenance. The story needs to be clarified. I have a picture in my head of a train setting out from Kilkenny and someone deciding to add two of the carriages. I do not think that is what Mr. Murphy means, but will he explain what is meant by it and whether they can be leased to other operators? He has mentioned the gauge, but who has examined the options?

Will Mr. Murphy let us have a note on the sum of €91.58 million to be drawn down by local authorities and delivery agencies with reference to note No. 20 on the financial commitments involved? I do not want to pursue the matter now because it is late in the day, but if the money is available for local authorities and other delivery agencies, what is it for? How does one apply for it and who has applied for it? I will come back to Mr. Murphy in writing on the private bus operators, about whom I have some questions.

I propose to members that we do not sign off on the 2011 annual accounts of the authority until such time as we meet the officials of the Department in two weeks time. We can tie it all together when we meet them.