Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has full confidence in the chairman of the Dublin Port Company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47489/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I do not consider it appropriate to comment on the performance of individual directors of State companies in this manner.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Transport the discussions that have been taking place between his Department and CIÉ in view of the financial difficulties facing CIÉ; if he expects services to be reduced or jobs to be lost in CIÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47503/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The 2009 Exchequer subvention to CIÉ will be €313.279 million, an increase of 1.5% on the 2008 figure. During the course of the Estimates discussions, my Department had discussions with the Department of Finance and with CIÉ in relation to the overall financial position of the CIÉ operating companies, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann. The Chairman and Chief Executive of each of the companies also briefed me on the financial outlook on 1st December.

CIÉ are projecting an operating deficit of €39.5 million for 2008 after Exchequer subvention, compared to an operating deficit of €1.47 million in 2007. This significant deterioration in the financial position of CIÉ is due in the main to loses in revenue due to a drop in demand for services and increases in costs, particularly fuel costs in the earlier part of this year. The outlook for 2009 is for a further deterioration in the group's financial situation in the absence of corrective measure.

It is a matter for the CIÉ group of companies to secure operational efficiencies and to reduce costs so as to maintain services at the highest level possible. I have requested that, in deciding on service reductions to maintain rail services, peak-time bus services, and bus services to developing areas. Service reductions should be a last resort in their efforts to maintain financial stability.