Vol. 497 No. 6
131 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the persons who initiated amendments to the report, A Review of Rail Safety in Ireland; if these proposals were brought to her attention; if so, when they were brought to her attention; if she authorised these amendments; and the reason this was not indicated when the report was published. [25949/98]
132 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if the report, A Review of Rail Safety in Ireland, is an independent report in view of the alterations and amendments made to this report by her Department prior to publication. [25950/98]
133 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if alternatives were made to the report, A Review of Rail Safety in Ireland, within her Department prior to publication of the final document; if so, the sections altered or amended; if she will publish the original document as submitted to her Department by the independent consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25951/98]
I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 131, 132 and 133 together.
I am satisfied that the published report fully reflects the independent professional view of the consultants on the safety of the railway in Ireland. No attempt was made by my Department to alter the thrust of the consultants' findings, conclusions and recommendations.
The assistant secretary responsible for public transport in my Department made comments on, and suggested textual changes to, a draft of the consultants' report. This was in accordance with the normal practice of Government Departments in dealing with the consultants' reports. The purpose of these comments and suggestions was to ensure that the report was clear and unambiguous and that it was easily read and accessible. It was made clear in writing to the consultants that they were free to accept or reject the suggestions in accordance with their professional judgment. This is precisely what the consultants did — they accepted some and rejected others.
The comments and suggested textual changes were not brought to my attention and the question of my authorising them did not therefore arise.
A Fine Gael Member of the Oireachtas made various requests for documentation relating to the study. These were fully and promptly responded to by my Department. I also arranged for Fine Gael Oireachtas Members to separately meet officials of my Department and the consultants to discuss the matters they have raised about the railway safety report.
