Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to thank Ms Jupp, who I met previously, for coming before the committee and for her work on behalf of customers as chairperson of the CIE group. I note with concern the flags raised by Ms Jupp on the sustainability of the Irish public transport system. We must continually evaluate the arguments in this debate to see where our priorities lie. I do not have particular questions because Ms Jupp has spelled out the challenges facing the company. Regarding the alignment of the objectives of CIE, I presume there is constant engagement with stakeholders such as the NTA, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, the workforce and the Minister. When challenges arise and a business model for funding is formulated I presume change management is required and it is challenging to get the unions and the workforce to engage in the process. Perhaps Ms Jupp can explain CIE's work in this area.

What is the state of pension funds in the CIE group at the moment? Are they healthy or has Ms Jupp concerns?