Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is reassuring. As other members mentioned, Mr. Gaffney's presentation demonstrated typical Glasgow, brutal honesty and paints a difficult scenario if options are not taken to support the networks. As he is aware, since the 1950s we no longer have a rail network in west Cork and can see the lost opportunities now because of the decisions taken then.

If Mr. Gaffney is faced with no choice but to review the network and consider line or station closures, how will he deal with that difficult prospect? Such a decision would not be popular. Will he give his views on the possibility of increasing or decreasing rail fares? The figures published in the past few days regarding increasing passenger numbers throughout the network are encouraging. In light of the challenges facing the company, how will Mr. Gaffney deal with industrial relations?

About this time last year, the train accident occurred in Galicia. Unfortunately, I had the misfortune to see that carnage at first hand. Has Iarnród Éireann considered what lessons could be learned from that accident? I know the full investigation process has not been gone through in regard to that accident, but I presume Iarnród Éireann has considered what lessons might be learned and how it might avoid such issues occurring here.

One issue that has arisen in regard to passenger numbers relates to the management of events. I hope Iarnród Éireann has not factored in certain concerts this summer as part of its business plan for 2014 and hope we do not see fare increases as a result of the cancellation of some events.