Vol. 483 No. 3
110 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the steps, if any, she has taken since the recent railway accident to assure the people of the west of Ireland that the line between Westport and Dublin is safe; and if she will comment on media articles which claim the line is unsafe. [20354/97]
111 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will instigate an independent investigation on the safety of the rail line from Dublin to Westport. [20355/97]
112 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the procedures or steps, if any, which Iarnród Éireann is taking to check the rail line from Dublin to Westport to ensure that it is safe and secure. [20356/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 110, 111 and 112 together.
Iarnród Éireann is conducting an internal inquiry into the accident near Roscommon on 8 November 1997. As soon as that is completed it will be submitted to my railway inspecting officer and I will then consider whether further action is required.
Day to day operational safety is a matter for Iarnrod Éireann who inspect all of their tracks at least twice a week. I am assured by Iarnród Éireann that there is no question of a train being allowed to operate in a situation where the safety of the public or railway staff would be compromised.
Following the incident near Killarney on 18 November 1997 I indicated that, in view of public concern, I intend, as quickly as possible to commission an independent review of Iarnród Éireann's safety standards and procedures. Officials in my Department are now drawing up the terms of reference for that review.
