Charlie O'Connor
Ceist:195 Mr. O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his Department’s endeavours in respect of Ireland’s EU Presidency; and his plans for the remainder of the term. [15759/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 May 2004
Ceisteanna (175)
Freagraí scríofa
The Department of Transport has had a successful EU Presidency to date. On 16 March 2004, the European Parliament and the European Council reached agreement on the second rail package which is a package of legislative measures which aim to open up the entire rail freight market in the EU to competition. The agreement reached provides for full market opening for international rail freight services from 1 January 2006 and for all rail freight services, including domestic rail freight services, from 1 January 2007. A further package to liberalise the passenger market was presented at the transport council on 9 March 2004. Agreement was also reached on the question of denied boarding compensation for airline passengers during our Presidency.
I am also pleased to report that, under the Irish Presidency, EU wide agreement was secured to revise legislation governing the trans European networks, TENS. TENS will focus on the improvement of transport infrastructure across the expanded EU and provide new opportunities to reduce congestion improve accessibility and encourage greater modal shift throughout Europe. Member states and accession countries joined us on 6 April for a road safety event in Dublin Castle. Preparations are well underway for our final transport council on 10/11 June next.