Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)

I agree that we have raised this issue previously. In fact, back in February we received a reply that the tendering process had been progressed and was at an advanced stage with costings established, and that it was with the NTA for funding. Is there any need to outsource it to a company that will charge a seven-figure amount? When I was a student and after that, Iarnród Éireann directly employed people in its catering section to sell the items in question. We are speaking about trains going from Sligo and Mayo to Dublin and the Tralee service, which is probably the longest journey in the country at four hours. People are forced to make these long journeys with no access to catering. They cannot wait until they arrive at Heuston Station. There are many elderly customers on their way to meet consultants in Dublin or going to medical appointments. They do not have a cup of water on the journey for four hours. Promises have been made and nothing has been done.

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