Ivan Yates
Question:144 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will publish a Green or a White Paper in relation to overall transport policy during her period of office. [18600/97]
Written Answers. - Transport Policy.
The Government has set out its policy for transport in its Action Programme for the Millennium. The policy involves putting new momentum into our transport system, opening up new internationl air links, supporting the regional airports, regenerating public transport and upgrading and maintaining our road network. The three Departments which have direct responsibility for transport are now engaged in implementing this policy. As far as my Department is concerned, the key priorities include: investment in the mainline and suburban rail network, including a link to Dublin Airport; reenergising the Dublin Light Rail project including the extension to Sandyford and studying the option of putting Luas underground in the city centre; regeneration of public transport especially in Dublin and Cork; encouraging commercial investment to accelerate improvement in national transport infrastructure; introduction of a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to promoting access by people with disabilities to the use of public spaces and facilities, and to the whole of the transport chain; examining how low fare policies by airlines can be further developed; supporting the network of regional airports; resistance to EU plans to abolish duty-free shopping after June 1999.
The EU co-financed Operational Programme for Transport 1994-99 provides a comprehensive and integrated national transport investment strategy, particularly in the areas of transport, which require a co-ordinated approach such as roads and public transport.
In addition to the operational programme, other policy framework documents are published from time to time which set the parameters for the development of the different areas of transport for which my Department is responsible. Examples include my Department's statement of strategy and the Irish aviation policy document. Under the terms of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 a new statement of strategy must be published by my Department before 1 March 1998.
In the light of such policy statements at this juncture, it is not necessary to consider publishing either a Green Paper or White Paper on transport policy at this juncture.