Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

164 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the progress made to date with regard to the implementation of the proposals contained in his statement to the public transport forum on 7 November 2002; the timetable for the legislation required to give effect to these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16876/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I have established a restructuring implementation group to oversee the restructuring of CIE. I met the boards of CIE and its subsidiaries during December and January and discussed the restructuring proposals with them. At present the focus is on the detailed preparatory work required for the restructuring.

In relation to my proposals for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority and the introduction of competition into the bus market in the greater Dublin area, both myself and my officials have engaged in extensive discussions with the trade unions on this issue in recent months. I am anxious to continue a constructive dialogue with the trades unions, but I also wish to make early progress on the implementation of the reform programme. My Department is also continuing with its detailed preparatory work. It is my objective, as indicated in the Government's legislative programme, to bring forward Bills in early 2004 to restructure CIE and implement regulatory reform.