Dick Spring
Ceist:42 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the position regarding the strategic review of rail safety by independent consultants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8365/98]
Written Answers. - Rail Safety.
I announced in the Dáil on 9 December last that I proposed to appoint independent consultants to carry out a strategic review of rail safety, covering all relevant aspects including infrastructure, policy and practice.
The process of selecting a firm to undertake the consultancy was conducted in accordance with EU public procurement rules. Following the selection process, a consortium of consultants led by International Risk Management Services, a UK firm specialising in safety and risk management, were appointed by me on 27 March 1998.
The other members of the consortium are Michael Hamlyn Associates; a UK firm with railway infrastructure expertise; KML Carl Bro — a Danish/Irish firm with civil engineering expertise; and Merz and McLellan — a UK firm with electrical engineering expertise. The consultancy study is expected to be completed within six months of the date of appointment.