Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I move amendment No. 92:

In page 50, line 19, after "Minister" to insert the following:

"and after consultation with the Council, railway undertakings, organisations which represent staff of railway undertakings and such other persons as in the opinion of the Commission may be relevant".

This group of amendments relate to the power of the commission to make regulations. On Committee Stage, having debated Deputy Shortall's amendment No. 51, my predecessor agreed the commission should consult with railway undertakings and railway unions before making regulations under section 68. I am now providing for that in amendment No. 92. I am also providing that the Railway Safety Advisory Council should be consulted and anybody else who may be relevant. This will allow for wide consultation and result in better quality regulations. I, therefore, invite the Deputy to withdraw her Report Stage amendment which provides for similar matters. Originally it was her amendment.

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