Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put in context the figures about which we are talking in order that the Deputy and the House generally are aware of the choices we have to make. For example, in 2013, CIE received €408 million in current and capital funding from the Exchequer. Of this figure, €226 million was for the provision of PSO transport services. Therefore, the CIE Group, Irish Rail in particular, is already in receipt of a huge amount of needed public investment. During the years of the crisis the level of funding made available to the company declined. I have honoured a commitment that we would maintain the level of subvention made available to the company. I have recognised that there is a need to support the capital needs of the company, on which I will soon be bringing forward proposals.

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