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

I accept that. I am doing my best to respond to the variety of issues people have raised because I did listen to them. However, I will conclude.

A number of Deputies raised issues in respect of rail. We have made great progress in increasing our investment in that area in recent times. As indicated in the opening speech given by the Minister of State, Deputy Ring, on this Bill, I am considering the inclusion of two further amendments to the Bill, which I intend to introduce on Committee Stage. One is to clarify that the NTA is required to engage in one statutory approval process for development in accordance with whatever legislation applies to that particular development and will not be subject to two different and parallel processes. The second is to ratify the COTIF convention on carriage by rail. I am also considering introducing a further amendment on Committee Stage to provide for a by-law for the NTA to have powers similar to the powers Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have under the legislation governing their operation.

I thank all Deputies for the points they made. I have endeavoured to respond to as many of them as I can. I thank the House for its support on this Bill.

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