John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1342. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of his proposed transport forum; the bodies which will attend such a forum; if the forum will be on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35149/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Deputy is aware that I have previously committed to dialogue with all public transport stakeholders to facilitate a review of our national  public transport policy.

I believe that this type of broad dialogue will allow for a meaningful exchange of views about how we should shape the development of our public transport policy over the next 10 to 15 years.  I look forward to the participation of all relevant stakeholders, which should include, among others, PSO operators, licensed bus operators, trade unions, representatives of the voluntary disability sector, Oireachtas members, transport economists, experts in the fields of climate and the environment and public transport user representative groups.

Preparations are at an early stage and I am sure the Deputy can appreciate that there will a considerable level of organisation and scheduling required if we are to have the type of meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas that I think we all want.  It will not be established on a statutory basis but will, I hope, allow for the sharing of ideas from a diverse range of perspectives as we look to inform the development of a statement of public transport policy.