Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Public Accounts Committee

2011 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Appropriation Accounts
Vote 32 - Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Chapter 6 - Financial Commitments Under Public Private Partnerships
Chapter 26 - Collection of Motor Taxation
Financial Statements 2011 - National Roads Authority

1:00 pm

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to put my questions in context. I asked about the consultant's report regarding the purchase of the carriages, which raises many questions.

I have asked a number of questions about the carriages and locomotives and also about the matter of operating costs and losses this year. On receipt of that information and the other information promised, it may very well be necessary to talk again to Mr. O'Mahony and NewEra. It appears that a wide range of questions remain unanswered with regard to CIE. There is grave concern about the company as a result of the comments by PricewaterhouseCoopers. I will say no more, however, until we receive the information required.

I have a question about staff numbers in the Department. The total number was 497 in 2011, of whom 56 were in receipt of €10,000 or more for higher, special or additional duties.