Vol. 416 No. 2
13 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if the recent Kennedy Henderson safety report, commissioned by her Department and Irish Rail, will be published; if she has satisfied herself that there is adequate investment in railway infrastructure and rolling stock to provide improvement in the quality of service and the maintenance of a high standard of safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The report referred to by the Deputy was jointly commissioned recently by my predecessor and the chairman of CIE. Publication of the report is not envisaged.
The consultants concluded that the railway is being operated to an acceptable level of safety. Their report also includes a number of recommendations for action to improve safety standards in Irish Rail. The majority of the recommendations relate to more vigorous application of rules and regulations, training and improved work practices. I am advised by the chairman of CIE that implementation of the report's recommendations is already in hands. The chairman has assured me that safety continues to be Iarnród Éireann's main priority and will not be compromised. He has also stated that the company are continuously striving, as a matter of policy, to improve quality of service and standards of safety on the railway.
Has the Minister read this report? Is she aware that it expresses extreme concern about the safety of Irish railways? Will she arrange to publish this report in view of its public importance and ensure that the recommendations to Government in relation to personnel, investment and training will be fully implemented? I have read this report which deals with an extremely serious matter and is of great public interest. Will the Minister now give a commitment to implement those recommendations?
The Chair has allowed some latitude. Let us have brevity.
The report is a confidential document which deals largely with operational matters——
It is a public matter.
——and as such I do not think the question of publication would arise. Both Irish Rail and the bus and rail division of my Department are currently examining the report with a view to the implementation of its proposals and recommendations as soon as possible. I would like to assure the travelling public that safety is the highest priority of Iarnród Éireann and of my Department.
