Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 1

Written Answers. - CIE Companies.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

182 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans she has to reorganise the three CIE sub-group companies, especially in relation to delivery of services in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19633/01]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

The consultation paper entitled "A New Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Public Transport" was published by the Government in September 2000. It sets out a number of proposals in relation to the restructuring of the CIE companies. These proposals are currently the subject of consultation with the Public Transport Partnership Forum which was established under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Before responding to the Government's consultation paper, the forum has commissioned an independent consultant to carry out a comparative evaluation of the provision, regulation and integration of public transport in nine selected cities throughout the world. I understand that this consultancy is nearing completion. I will await the forum's response before finalising my proposals for Government in this area.

In the meantime, my Department is continuing to carry out background work on institutional reform issues. Following consultation with the forum, my Department is currently considering tenders from consultants to carry out a research study into the financial and other implications of the restructuring of the CIE group of companies.

In an effort to address the many issues facing Iarnród Éireann in delivering the ambitious targets contained in the national development plan a small top level group was appointed earlier this year and will assist Iarnród Éireann to face the challenges of expanding the rail network and delivering improved services to customers. The group is investigating the current industrial relations environment within the company and the challenges facing management, staff and unions to achieve maximum value for the customer and the taxpayer from the major investment programme in the rail system over the com ing years. The group is also examining the current structures, procedures, processes and practices within the company at all levels for managing the changes necessary.

It is also intended to bring forward proposals for regulatory reform of the bus markets outside the greater Dublin area before the end of this year. My Department has commenced the process of recruiting consultants to carry out a study in relation to options for regulatory reform. Interested parties will shortly be invited to make submissions, which will be taken into account by the consultants in the course of the study.