Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy should go and buy herself a train and track set to keep her happy. These projects were sent out for review and the two reviews completed in April and May, respectively, considered the options of abandoning, mothballing or continuing the project and recommended continuing. Both reviews strongly endorse the continuation of the project, subject to enhanced governance arrangements being put in place. In July, I notified the Government that I would proceed with the project on the basis of enhanced governance arrangements and, in particular, the establishment of an integrated ticketing board under an independent chairperson who would be accountable to me. In the coming days, I expect to receive the first progress report from the chair of the integrated ticketing project board. Members should acknowledge the Government's foresight in introducing smart card technology.

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