Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is aware that the taxpayer make a very large and recurring contribution each year to Iarnród Éireann. This contribution takes the form of both current, PSO, funding and capital funding under what is known as the infrastructure management multi-annual contract, IMMAC. In 2017 funding under the PSO and IMMAC programmes will cumulatively increase by over 17% when compared to 2016, bringing total funding to over €304 million.

Last year the National Transport Authority and larnród Éireann published the rail review report 2016, on which the NTA held a public consultation process. Over 300 submissions were received by the NTA in response to the consultation process. They have now all been examined and the NTA submitted a report on them to my Department last week. I will consider the report and then bring it to the Government. It is my intention that the report on the consultation process should be published by the NTA following consideration by the Government. In advance of that happening, no decisions have been taken on matters such as the future of individual rail lines or investment in the company and its relevant infrastructure.

As the Deputy is aware, I made a commitment to meet the trade unions once the industrial relations dispute at Bus Éireann was fully resolved. That meeting took place on 10 July and I found the exchange to be both useful and informative. I reiterated my wish to hold dialogue with all public transport stakeholders as my Department moved forward in its review of public transport policy in line with the commitment in the programme for Government. I requested each of the unions to make submissions to me on the format and issues that might be covered in the proposed dialogue. They expressed an eagerness to do so and I look forward to receiving the submissions. I would also welcome suggestions the Deputy or other Opposition spokespersons might have to make. If they would like to attend the forum, they are welcome to do so. Planning for the forum is at a preparatory stage, but I envisage a meaningful exchange of views on how we should shape the development of public transport policy in the next ten to 15 years.

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