Rail Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2006

Tuesday, 10 October 2006

Ceisteanna (357)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

454 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he intends to provide funds to cover the cost of tackling the two tier approach on rail fares in the greater Dublin suburban services as part of the public transport subvention; his views on whether not doing so would result in increased fares for inner suburban passengers, loss of revenue to Irish Rail, and continuation of the two tier structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31777/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport (Mr. Cullen)

The annual Exchequer subvention currently paid to CIÉ is provided to support socially and economically necessary but commercially non-viable public transport services in Dublin and throughout the country.

The structure of rail fares is a separate matter and is for Iarnród Éireann to decide having regard to its statutory obligations. I understand from the company that a study of all rail fares is currently being conducted on a nationwide basis by an internal Iarnród Éireann team with external professional assistance. Iarnród Éireann expects the study to be completed by the year-end.