A number of reforms are required if railways are to be used to their full potential to resolve our national transport problems. The national rail company must be established as an independent entity. The railways have suffered from being stuffed under the umbrella of CIE, which does not employ a clear and coherent decision making process essential for a modern public transport organisation. The Minister should proceed forthwith with his plans while providing appropriate safeguards under EU legislation for the employees involved. The rail company needs to get its act together in terms of delivering major infrastructural projects. There is only a limited role for rail-based public-private partnerships in Ireland. It is imperative, therefore, that the national rail company should develop the expertise and ability to bring major projects to completion on time and budget.