Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today we heard of some particularly harrowing personal experiences, as Senator O'Mahony outlined. I understand these are being taken seriously but it is embarrassing to find those personal stories have be relayed on so many occasions. Reading the report indicates much has been done but there are remaining issues. I welcome that there will be no public transport company department without a minimum of one board member with personal knowledge and experience of the needs and difficulties of disabled people. I very much welcome that and this process should be enhanced. We have been here since 9 a.m. talking about this but these matters are very important. It has been an experience for us to listen to those testimonies. Sometimes, as politicians, we do not hear enough people complaining.

In yesterday's edition of the local newspaper, I read that unless €460 million is allocated, the bulk of the rail network faces closure. This would affect the rail lines to the west and north west, including those in counties Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. Does the Minister have any views or will he comment on the story?