asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the number of persons killed during the past 12 months as a result of being struck by trains or falling from trains; the number of people injured in similar incidents; if he has satisfied himself that safety procedures on the railway system are adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Deaths and Injuries.
10.
During the 12 months ended 30 April 1989 eight persons died and six were injured as a result of being struck by trains. Twelve of the 14 persons were trespassers, one was an Iarnród Éireann employee and one was a member of the Garda Síochána who was in pursuit of his duties. During the same period three persons died and two were injured as a result of falling from trains.
Each accident is investigated by Iarnród Éireann and the reports are submitted to my Department. My Department is in regular contact with Iarnród Éireann on safety standards and procedures. The safety requirements are adjusted from time to time in the light of experience and in the interest of improving rail safety generally.
Safety procedures on the railway are comprehensive and I am satisfied that they are adequate.
First of all, particularly in respect of the garda who lost his life in pursuit of his duties, as it occurred in my constituency, I want to express my condolences and indeed to all persons who died. Does the Minister accept that the figures he has announced indicate a significant increase on the numbers from previous years? It appears that the trend is upward and markedly so. Can the Minister indicate why this should be the case? Would he not accept that it indicates that there are some gaps or deficiencies in what he has described as a comprehensive system? If he accepts that, can he indicate if he has any plans to improve matters as they stand?
I have no statistics available to me — I have none in my brief — as to whether the numbers I have given are an increase or otherwise on what has happened before. I would not be complacent about this. Even one death is too many on the railway. I have had an examination made of the safety procedures and I am confident that they are of international standard and that the deaths could not be attributed to any failure in the safety procedures on Iarnród Éireann.
May I ask the Minister whether he has any international comparisons? My understanding is that the accident rate on Irish railways is very unfavourable per mile travelled as opposed to the figures from other countries. I am not certain of that fact, but certainly some people who have an interest in the railways indicated this to me some time ago. Are there international comparisons on accident rates, and if so do they indicate that very firm action is needed on the part of the Minister?
I have no indication that our figures are out of kilter with figures elsewhere. In fact, whatever information I have is to the contrary.
The Minister does not have detailed statistics.