asked the Minister for Communications if, in view of (a) the finding of the report on the Cherryville Inquiry with the important and serious questions they pose for CIE and (b) the stated Government policy as outlined in Building on Reality 1985-87 that “A package of retrenchment measures will be implemented on the passenger rail side; this will not affect the existing carriage replacement programme but will mean that there will be no new substantial investment in railways and there will be strict cash limits on other expenditures” he will reassure the CIE employees and the travelling public that the above-mentioned economy measures will not lead to any shortcomings in safety standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - CIE Rail Safety Standards.
522.
The Government's position on rail safety is as stated in paragraph 7.75 of Building on Reality i.e. “funds will be provided to enable the replacement of CIE's mainline rolling stock to be completed” and “to finance essential capital works required for safety reasons”. A provision of £43 million has been allocated for mainline rail capital requirments for the period 1985-87. I am assured by CIE that there will not be any reduction in the safety standards of the railway and that the maintenance of very high safety standards will continue to receive priority.