I have no plans to alter my approach to day to day management issues in CIE. As I made clear to this House on 7 March, I do not interfere in the day to day running of the company. However, I have a responsibility to ensure that the company pursues policies which are in the broad national interest and that the considerable public funding provided for the company is used effectively.
In my reply to questions on 15 February last, I confirmed that it was time for a fundamental rethink about how we deliver public transport services. In the course of my reply I indicated that this included examining the existing institutional arrangements and the relationship between CIE and its subsidiary companies. I subsequently indicated a personal preference for the establishment of the three CIE subsidiaries as independent companies.
This is a time of immense change in public transport. National economic development is in part dependent on the efficient and effective delivery of public transport services. The need to do this is all the more pressing, given the billions of pounds that will be invested in public transport over the coming few years. I am determined to ensure that significantly improved services are provided. I have asked officials in my Department to consider the issue and to identify and evaluate the options for institutional reform.