Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I will answer Deputy Daly. This is an issue he has raised previously with regard to when catering services will be rolled out again. I completely understand people's wish to see services return on all rail lines. However, if there is a choice between the taxpayer funding actual rail services or catering services on trains I am clear, as I have been previously, that taxpayer funding is best directed towards providing rail services themselves.

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it has been working to restore catering services where possible following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions on rail services. It has been engaging extensively with a range of operators in the market. However, the reality is that costs have significantly increased, at up to four times the previous levels quoted. Iarnród Éireann has had to deliver the service on a limited basis, within the available funding.

A full tender process was undertaken for catering services across the Intercity network within current public service obligation funding. While the costs have been determined, Iarnród Éireann has only been in a position to restore catering services on the Dublin to Cork route with an Irish company, Carriage Food Services Limited, on an interim basis. As Deputy Daly knows, on-board catering is also available on the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service, which is jointly operated by Iarnród Éireann and Translink and provided under a separate contract. The company continues to engage with the NTA and my Department on what is an important matter to people.

See this speech in context