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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 6

Written Answers. - Recommendations from Public Inquiry.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

266 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether all of the recommendations into official inquiries into rail accidents have been fully implemented; if not, the recommendations which have not been implemented; and if he has satisfied himself that current safety standards now conform to the highest possible standards. [1708/96]

For the purposes of my reply I assume that the Deputy is referring to public inquiries and investigations conducted under section 7 of the Regulation of Railways Act, 1871. All of the substantive recommendations made following public inquiries or investigations under the Act have been implemented to the satisfaction of my Department.

The safety of rail operations is of course a matter for the board and management of CIE and Iarnród Éireann who have extensive procedures in place to ensure the safe operation of railway services at all times. Iarnród Éireann has in the last four years embarked on an ongoing safety programme to enhance existing procedures. Safety on the railway will also benefit from a complementary quality programme which the company is promoting to improve efficiency and effectiveness of its operations.
CIE have assured me that safety is the prime consideration in the operation of the railway and I am satisfied that the company's current safety standards and procedures are designed to achieve that priority objective.
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