Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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573. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take to improve the efficiency of Irish Rail, particularly in the context of the increase in fares. [43104/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I refer the Deputy to a topical issue on fare increases which I answered on the 6th November, 2014. 

I remain strongly supportive of the efforts to secure the company’s financial sustainability in order to ensure that rail services can be provided efficiently and cost effectively.  The Government has provided substantial Exchequer investment in the rail network in recent years despite the significant financial challenges and is fully engaged with Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) in examining the future funding requirements for the company to ensure a sustainable future.

I acknowledge the changes that have been delivered by workers to date and also the contribution made by them in accepting the Labour Court proposals of 3rd September last. The Labour Court also recommended that the Cost Management Committee, involving both management and employee representatives, should identify target savings in non-payroll items necessary to implement the company’s five year plan.

I also gave a commitment to no further reductions in the Public Service Obligation funding and, for the first time since 2008, the level of Public Service Obligation (PSO) for bus and rail services is being maintained in 2015 at current levels.