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

To answer Deputy Daly's question, I have encouraged Iarnród Éireann and the NTA to explore other avenues to support the wider reintroduction of catering services. I was honest with Deputy Daly about the costs. If the NTA were to award a contract at four times the cost of what operated prior to Covid, questions would rightly be asked about it. I have asked the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to explore other options and to revert to me. I hope these discussions might bear fruit shortly. I will keep Deputy Daly informed on it.

I do think it is important, and I was not being flippant earlier, that there has been significant investment in our stations, including from an accessibility perspective. Yesterday in the Department I met a disabled transport user group. They were very informative on their lived experience about accessibility. Our facilities across our Intercity rail stations have greatly improved but we are exploring other options.

See this speech in context