Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce subvention to Iarnród Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32665/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The provision and operation of car parks at railway stations, including the imposition of charges to cover operational costs, is a matter for Iarnrod Eireann and I have no function in relation thereto. The annual compensation paid to Iarnrod Eireann, through CIE, by the Exchequer towards the cost of loss-making economically and socially necessary services is equivalent to approximately 44% of Iarnrod Eireann operating costs. It is a matter for Iarnrod Eireann to meet the balance of the operating costs from passenger fare revenue and other revenue streams including charges for parking. The compensation to be paid to Iarnrod Eireann in 2009 in respect of its public service obligation will be determined as part of the Estimates/Budgetary process.