I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, to 156 inclusive, together.
When I became aware that my Department has made comments on, and suggested textual changes to, a draft of the consultants' report, I immediately discussed the matter with senior officials in my Department. The assistant secretary responsible for public transport, who made the comments and suggested the changes, assured me that the purpose of those comments and suggested changes was to ensure that the report was clear and unambiguous and that it was easily read and accessible. He also drew my attention to the fact that it has been made clear in writing to the consultants that they were free to accept or reject the suggestions in accordance with their professional judgment. I accepted those assurances and consequently did not seek a full list of the comments and suggestions made.
The assistant secretary responsible for public transport subsequently wrote to Deputy Yates on 2 December to confirm that no attempt was made by the Department of Public Enterprise to minimise or dilute any of the findings, conclusions or recommendations of the consultants who carried out the strategic review of rail safety. I also accept those assurances. Any changes which the consultants made in relation to sections of the railway were solely based on their own independent professional judgment.
The consultants identified the need for immediate works costing about £23 million and Iarnród Éireann is dealing with these issues as a matter of urgency. The immediate works relate to items at particular locations identified by the consultants in the course of their inspections and to generic items that arose throughout the railway.
