Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 151: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has contacted Irish Rail and other public transport agencies regarding the contingency plans that are in place in case of an accident or emergency; if his Department is conducting a review of these procedures in view of the recent derailment on the northern rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The procedures for dealing with railway incidents and accidents is a matter for the Railway Safety Commission as part of its role in approving railway operators' safety management systems.

However, for the purposes of reporting to the Office of Emergency Planning, my Department maintains an ongoing liaison with Iarnród Éireann and the other public transport agencies under my aegis in relation to their emergency response plans. Through these contacts, my Department is aware that Iarnród Éireann periodically reviews its emergency response handbook which sets out guidance procedures for its staff in the event of an accident or emergency. I am advised that each year the Company carries out test exercises in conjunction with the emergency services and my Department is made aware of all such exercises.

In relation to the recent derailment on the Northern rail line, I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the procedures as set out in the Company's operational Rule Book and emergency response handbook were correctly applied throughout the management of the event.