Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

It has been recognised that I have made provision for consultation with railway unions throughout the Bill, where I have felt it to be relevant and appropriate. However, guideline documents, the contents of a safety case and technical principles and specifications are technical railway safety matters, rather than what might be called "on the ground" safety matters which are of interest to the railway unions. I do not believe that consultation with the unions on this issue would serve any useful purpose. Having said that, I reiterate that I have provided for discussions with the proposed railway safety council. There are at least three representatives of the unions on the council. The unions are satisfied with this. They will be more than au fait with exactly what is going on. The matters I have mentioned can be seen as highly specific technical issues, rather than "on the ground" issues which might necessitate direct consultation with the unions. When such consultation is required in respect of certain issues, I have clearly provided in the Bill that direct consultation should be recommended with the unions. My understanding is that everybody is happy with the approach I have adopted.

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