Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 13 together.

The Minister set out the position in regard to the integrated ticketing project in his response to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 13, 41 and 91 on 28 September 2006. The chairman of the integrated ticketing project board submitted the first report of the board to the Minister on Tuesday, 9 October 2006 and the Minister has since considered the report's findings. The chairman states that the project board is working well and is confident it can oversee a prudently phased and controlled introduction of the integrated ticketing system. The board is also satisfied there are no technical barriers to the introduction of integrated ticketing.

The chairman has requested that the board be allowed sufficient time to complete its deliberations and has indicated that it intends to bring a comprehensive proposal to the Minister for approval within two months. This will include proposals in regard to scope, time-lines and a definitive budget for the phased completion of the integrated ticketing project. The Minister has accepted the report and requested that the project board proceeds immediately with the preparation of its proposals.

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