Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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190. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any input into decisions concerning the quality of service offered by Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23325/26]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

As with other State bodies under my Department I engage as appropriate with the Chair and the executive in relation to relevant issues, I meet with the Chairperson and CEO of Iarnród Éireann on a regular basis, or as the need arises.

My officials have a structured engagement process with Iarnród Éireann and receive regular updates on programme delivery and services. My Department has regular engagement with the company at all levels, including at CEO level, in relation to issues including governance, financial, investment, safety, and service related issues, and I am of course briefed by my Department on any relevant issues which arise during the course of such normal administrative and corporate governance related contact between my Department and the company.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

I can assure the Deputy that the performance of all public transport operators, including Iarnród Éireann, is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.