Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will ban the use of cell phones by train operators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44523/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by Iarnród Eireann that it is Company policy that personal mobile phones must be turned off in the driving cab of any train. Company mobile phones must only be switched on and used if essential to the safe delivery of the work in hand and part of a safe system of work. A mobile telephone must not be used in a driving cab while the train is running.

In relation to the operation of Luas, I am informed by the Railway Procurement Agency that Veolia's policy is that mobile phones must never be used by a driver while driving. A driver may only use a mobile phone when the tram is stationary, when the driver is out of the cab or if it is operationally essential if all other communication systems have failed.

These policies form part of the Iarnród Eireann and the Veolia Safety Cases respectively. I understand from the Railway Safety Commission that these Safety Cases have been approved and are subject to ongoing monitoring by the Railway Safety Commission.