Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for congratulating me on the marathon. I compliment the organisers of the event and the volunteers and supporters who lined the route. Sunday's Dublin city marathon was a tremendous occasion. I hope the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport supports those involved to the greatest extent possible because it was a magnificent showcase of Dublin at its very best. I wish to pass on my congratulations to the organisers and the supporters.

I asked the Minister a specific question but I do not accept his remarks in respect of the leaking of the report. How long has the Minister sat on the report? The report has been in the Minister's possession for months. One wonders whether the Minister was happy that the report was leaked before he brought it to Cabinet or the relevant Oireachtas committee or before the Dáil had an opportunity to debate it. That totally undermines the Oireachtas. It is difficult for people on this side of the House to have a meaningful and frank discussion, although that is precisely what the Minister has asked for previously in respect of how public transport develops over time. It is particularly difficult for us to have that discussion with our hands tied behind our backs and in the absence of a report that the Minister has sat on for months on end. Moreover, the report has been leaked to the national media and it has identified rail closures. I accept the Minister has said that there will be no rail closures before any consultation. Can the Minister rule out any rail closures, full stop?

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