Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not comment with such authority as Deputy Murphy on the negotiations which took place. I will not make any comment on the merits of the proposal which was made to both parties. That is a matter for both parties to resolve between themselves, as they have done in previous disputes involving the subsidiaries of CIE companies.

I deeply regret that there is a dispute of this sort. My job is to represent the interests of the taxpaying public and passengers and to express the hope that both parties will get together and once again resume talks in order that we can have a secure and efficient company.

The Deputy is correct when he talks about the rail review having acknowledge the problems. The report, which is sitting on my desk, refers to significant problems. The problems are being and will be addressed. I have already expressed to other Deputies the essential nature of publishing the national framework report before making dramatic decisions on funding or on the future of Iarnród Éireann.

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