Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is certainly mine. My understanding is that CIÉ is prepared to fund that, provided it is independent advice, but I will check the matter with CIÉ after Question Time because there is obviously a complete and fundamental difference of opinion there.

The question the Deputy asked before that was whether I will investigate the governance of two CIÉ pension schemes. Members of one of the CIÉ pension schemes have highlighted particular concerns and made allegations which they have communicated to public representatives, who have raised them in the House, with the Committee of Public Accounts and with the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport. CIÉ is willing to engage in an independently chaired process with the unions to determine past matters that are currently at issue regarding the pensions situation. As the Deputy knows, CIÉ made that proposal to the joint Oireachtas committee. It would likely be a very technical exercise, so a mutually acceptable professional person would be needed to chair it. If the two sides are unable to find a suitably independent chair, CIÉ is prepared for the WRC to nominate a suitable person to investigate that. I am sure the unions will agree to this. I hope they will.

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