Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the feasibility of merging the existing bodies with responsibilities for road, rail, maritime and air transport safety; the associated efficiency savings which may result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36835/11]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration has been given to merging the Railway Procurement Agency and the National Roads Authority; the associated savings that would be realised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36837/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together.

The Public Service Reform Plan published last Thursday 17th November sets out the State agencies that will be rationalised. These include the merger of the Railway Procurement Agency with the National Roads Authority and the merger of the Irish Aviation Authority with the Commission for Aviation Regulation by June 2012. There will also be a critical review by the same date of the establishment of a single transport safety body comprising of the Road Safety Authority, Railway Safety Commission and the Maritime Safety Authority. The potential savings arising from these mergers will be identified as detailed implementation plans are developed.