Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
72. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet directly with representatives of the trade unions with a view to establishing a forum to agree a framework for discussion of the ongoing expansion of the transport system that gives certainty to transport workers. [25032/18]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, as I had previously promised, on 21 May I hosted a round-table discussion on public transport policy, in the context of a wider work programme in my Department - on foot of a commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government - to review public transport policy to ensure services are sustainable into the future and are meeting the needs of a modern economy and to develop a policy statement for the sector.
This stakeholder event brought together a wide range of representatives of consumer and passenger interests, public transport operators, unions, business groups, environmental interests, research institutes and the academic community, regulators, legislature and policy makers.
The round-table also allowed for an open and inclusive exchange of views among interested stakeholders and commentators, facilitated an open discussion about public transport policy, and let everyone put forward their views. The resulting discussions on potential challenges and competing priorities likely to arise in the future across all aspects of public transport provision including economic, social and environmental considerations will inform and enrich the policy review work currently on-going within the Department.
A report from the Chair of the Stakeholder forum, Professor Alan Barrett (ESRI) will be published for public consultation, along with papers and presentations that informed the debate and discussions during the round-table, and members of the public will have an opportunity to contribute to the discussion. Following this public consultation, I will assess, with my Department, the most suitable next steps in this policy review, including the format of any future additional consultative measures with stakeholders that are deemed necessary.
