Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 4

Written Answers. - European Commission White Paper.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

158 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he supports all the proposals contained in the European Commission White Paper entitled A Strategy for Revitalising the Community's Railways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23514/96]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Dukes)

As President-in-Office of the Council of Transport Ministers, I will chair a transport council on 12 December, 1996. The Commission White Paper on a strategy for revitalising the Community's railways will feature as a substantive item on the agenda for that Council. As President of the Council, it is my responsibility to ensure a full and balanced debate, taking a neutral approach to the issues under discussion.

Ireland has generally welcomed the White Paper, particularly because of the impetus it has given to the debate on the future of the rail sector at European level. The White Paper highlights in particular the serious and continuing decline of rail's market share in relation to its main competing modes. It sets out a broad range of measures and proposals aimed at arresting and reversing that decline. Ireland fully supports these aims.

The measures and proposals in the White Paper are detailed, complex and wide ranging. It is the Commission's intention to bring them forward on a phased basis over the next few years. Many of the proposals will involve new legislation or amendments to existing legislation. These will have to go through the normal institutional procedures of the European Union, including approval by the Council of Ministers. Ireland will of course participate fully in the consideration of these proposals and will assess individual measures on their merits, and in the light of the impact they can be expected to have on our national interests.