Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

96 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date by the implementation group on the restructuring of CIE; when he expects to receive the final report of the group; when he expects the proposal to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16872/03]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

157 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport the current position regarding his discussions with the CIE group of trade unions regarding the future of CIE; when the last meeting was held; when the next meeting is planned; the progress which has been made with regard to meeting concerns of the workers regarding security of employment, pensions and terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16871/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 157 together.

The mandate of the restructuring implementation group is to oversee the restructuring of CIE. The group will remain in place until all elements of the restructuring, including the necessary legislative changes, are implemented and it will report to me as necessary throughout the restructuring process.

The last meeting of the group was on 24 March 2003. At that meeting the CIE companies presented a paper setting out their assessment of a number of issues involved in restructuring the CIE group. Following on from consideration of that paper, I intend to bring a progress report to Government shortly on the work undertaken to date. After Government review of that report, I envisage that further meetings of the restructuring implementation group will be arranged.

The concerns raised by the Deputy in relation to security of employment, pensions and terms and conditions of employment are central to my consideration of the restructuring process. From the outset I have made it clear that the legitimate concerns of the workforce will be addressed on the basis of partnership and consultation.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 94.

Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 79.