Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 1998 > Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, 1997-1998

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Fhiontair Phoiblí agus Iompar Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Work of the Joint Committee

1997–1998

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón gComhchoiste um Fhiontair Phoiblí agus Iompar Obair an Chomhchoiste

ANNUAL REPORT

of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport Work of the Joint Committee

1997-1998

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 79A, Dáil Éireann and paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Standing Order 63, Seanad Éireann which provides for Joint Committee reports and work programmes as follows–

•review of its procedure and its role

•annual work programme

•laying minutes of proceedings

•making an annual report.

At its meeting on 1 October, 1998 the Committee agreed that all these items be included in its annual report.

2. Functions and Powers of the Joint Committee

The Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13th November, 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19th November, 1997 as part of a programme of Oireachtas reform involving the refining of the Committee system to enable more detailed examination of Government Departments including–

•public affairs administered by each Department

•legislature and expenditure proposals of each Department

•certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of each Department.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified by further Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and the Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee, as so modified, are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Seán Doherty was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 4 December, 1997. Deputy Brendan Daly was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 10 December, 1997. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Martin Brady and Austin Currie are the Convenors of the Committee whose function it is to ensure the availability and attendance of Members or their substitutes for meetings of the Committee and, in particular, to ensure Members' availability for divisions.

The Members of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 2.

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Kildare House or in the Seanad Chamber. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Joint Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Joint Committee was broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting by R.T.É.

Verbatim written reports of public meetings of the Select Committee in relation to Bills and Estimates for the Public Services, Vote 32 Public Enterprise were published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.

Copies of other reports published by the Joint Committee may be obtained from the Clerk, Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. A list of these reports are set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 16 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 26 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 9 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 12 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

Records of attendance by Members of the Joint Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 5.

Records of attendance by Members of the Dáil Select Committee and their duly nominated substitutes at meetings of the Dáil Select Committee are set out at Appendix 6.

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee meeting in public session are attached at Appendix 7.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 16 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Status of duty free facilities

•Telecommunications Regulator

•Electromagnetic fields

•Ionising radiation

•Non-ionising radiation emissions from communications masts

•Public transport infrastructure and operations.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 9 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Supplementary Estimate 1997 – Department of Public Enterprise

•Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Bill, 1997 – Committee Stage

•Turf Development Bill, 1997 – Committee Stage

•Revised Estimates 1998 – Department of Public Enterprise

•Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Bill, 1998 – Committee Stage.

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In the year under report the Joint Committee met with the following:

•The Minister for Public Enterprise

•4 Secretaries General

•2 State Bodies

•4 Semi-State Bodies

•3 subsidiary Semi-State Bodies

•2 Chambers of Commerce delegations

•9 Community Groups

•The Garda Commissioner

•1 Private Company

•Director of Traffic, Dublin Corporation

•1 Visiting Delegation.

8. Joint Committee Reports

During the year under report the Joint Committee published the following reports:

•Work Programme 1998

•Standing Orders Report relating to Director of Telecommunications Regulation

•Meeting with Minister for Public Enterprise on Duty Free

•Meeting with Director of Telecommunications Regulation

•Meeting with E.S.B. and Cork Anti-Pylon Action Group

•Meeting with Radiological Protection Institution of Ireland

•Meeting with South East Community Television on Multi-Channel Television.

9. Work in Progress

(a) Non-ionising radiation emissions from communications masts

The Joint Committee held hearings with the various state agencies dealing with this matter, the mobile phone licence operators and a number of Community groups. It appointed a Rapporteur, Deputy Noel O'Flynn to prepare a report on the matter. This report including the conclusions and recommendations of the Committee should be available before the end of 1998.

(b) Public transport infrastructure and operations

The Joint Committee has held a number of hearings to date on public transport infrastructure and operations and has meetings on this issue scheduled until at least the end of December 1998.

The Joint Committee will report on this matter to Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann with appropriate recommendations. The objective of the report is to come up with proposals which if implemented will provide the country with a public transport system which will be appropriate well into the next century. Particular emphasis will be given to environmentally friendly transport systems.

A copy of the Joint Committees work programme for 1999 is at Appendix 8.

10. Travel by the Joint Committee

During the period 5 – 11 July, 1998 a delegation from the Joint Committee went to Germany on a fact finding visit in connection with public transport issues. The delegation which visited Berlin, Bonn and Dusseldorf comprised of Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Liam Lawlor and Jim Mitchell. The Federal Transport Plan, the first transport plan for the whole of Germany was a main focus of the visit as it provides for maintenance, modernisation, renewal and expansion of the rail, road and waterway networks with particular emphasis on the more “environmentally friendly” transport systems.

11. Function and Powers

During the year under report the Joint Committee raised the issue of having its function amended to enable it to consider and report on the annual reports and/or annual reports and accounts of the twelve bodies under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise, and the overall operational results, statement of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies.

The Orders of Reference of the Joint Committee were modified to provide for this by Orders of Dáil Éireann of 28th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added) and Seanad Éireann of 30th April, 1998 (new subparagraph (2)(a)(iv) added).

The Committee is happy with its present procedures and role.

___________________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

November 1998

Imeachtaí an Chomhchoiste

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Déardaoin, 12 Samhain,1998

Thursday,12 November,1998

1.Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 2.35 p.m.

2.Comhaltaí i láthair.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i láthair:-

Na Teachtaí Seán Ó Dochartaigh (i gCeannas), Máirtín Ó Brádaigh, Aibhistín Ó Comhraí, Breandán Ó Dálaigh, Nollaig Ó Floinn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates agus an Seanadóir Seán Ó Críogáin*.

3.Dréacht-Tuarascáil Bhliantúil ón gomhchoiste um Fhiontairhoiblí agus Iompar.

Chuir an Cathaoirleach an Dréacht-Tuarascáil faoi bhráid an Choiste chun a breithnithe.

Aontaíodh an Dréacht-Tuarascáil.

Ordaíodh: Tuairisc a thabhairt dá réir sin.

4.Athlá.

Chuaigh an Coiste ar athló ar 4.50 p.m. go dtí 2.30 p.m. Déardaoin, 26 Samhain, 1998.

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.35 p.m.

2.Members Present.

The following members were present:-

Deputies Seán Doherty (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Noel O'Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates and Senator John Cregan*.

3.Draft Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport.

The Chairman brought forward the Draft Report for consideration.

Draft Report agreed to.

Ordered: To report accordingly.

4.Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 26 November, 1998.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann

13th November, 1997, (*28th April, 1998)

(1)(a)That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, consisting of 14 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider such—

(i)Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Public Enterprise, and

(ii)Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of that Department,

as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

(b)For the purpose of its consideration of Bills under paragraph (1)(a)(i), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (3).

(c)For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 84(1), the Minister for Public Enterprise (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.

(2)(a)The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport to consider–

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Public Enterprise as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

*(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(iv)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 78A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(3)The Chairman of the Joint Committee, who shall be a member of Dáil Éireann, shall also be Chairman of the Select Committee.

Orders of Reference

Seanad Éireann

19th November, 1997, (*30th April, 1998)

(1)(a)That a Select Committee consisting of 5 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport to consider–

(i)such public affairs administered by the Department of Public Enterprise as it may select, including bodies under the aegis of that Department in respect of Government policy,

(ii)such matters of policy for which the Minister in charge of that Department is officially responsible as it may select,

(iii)the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister in charge of that Department pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and shall be authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act,

*(iv)such Annual Reports or Annual Reports and Accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies under the aegis of the Department(s) specified in paragraph 1(a)(i), and the overall operational results, statements of strategy and corporate plans of these bodies, as it may select.

Provided that the Joint Committee shall not, at any time, consider any matter relating to such a body which is, which has been, or which is, at that time, proposed to be considered by the Committee of Public Accounts pursuant to the Orders of Reference of that Committee and/or the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act, 1993.

Provided further that the Joint Committee shall refrain from inquiring into in public session, or publishing confidential information regarding, any such matter if so requested either by the body or by the Minister in charge of that Department; and

(v)such other matters as may be jointly referred to it from time to time by both Houses of the Oireachtas,

and shall report thereon to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

(b)The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be 5, of whom at least 1 shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a member of Seanad Éireann.

(c)The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 62A(1) to (9) inclusive.

(2)The Chairman of the Joint Committee shall be a member of Dáil Éireann.

APPENDIX 2

Members of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 3

Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4

Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (continued)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

APPENDIX 7

Minutes of proceedings of the Joint Committee

JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENTERPRISE AND TRANSPORT

MEETING OF 4 DECEMBER 1997

The Committee met at 2.30 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

Members present: Deputies Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Michael Creed, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Seán Doherty, Liam Lawlor, Jim Mitchell, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates and Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald, Fergus O'Dowd and Tom Fitzgerald (who substituted for Senator Des Hanafin).

PUBLIC SESSION:

1.Election of Chairperson:

Deputy Seán Doherty was proposed as Chairman by Deputy Martin Brady. As there were no other nominations, Deputy Doherty was invited to take the Chair.

2.Day and Times of Meetings:

-It was agreed that the next meeting (on 10 December 1997) should deal with the Supplementary Estimate of the Dept. of Public Enterprise.

-It was agreed that the Dept. of Public Enterprise Bill - Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Bill 1997 should be dealt with at the following meeting.

-It was agreed that a Joint Committee meeting should take place at 1.45p.m. on Wednesday, 10 December 1997 regarding the election of a Vice-Chairman and that this should be followed at 2.00p.m. by a Dáil Select Committee meeting which will deal with the issue of Supplementary Estimates.

3.Work Programme:

-It was agreed that a Brief regarding Supplementary Estimates should be requested from the Dept. of Public Enterprise and that this should be circulated to Members before the meeting.

-It was agreed that the followingMotion put forward by Deputy Brendan Daly would be dealt with at the next meeting -

“That in view of the fact that a Government Review of Ireland's Electricity Generation Capacity is being undertaken the Committee would discuss the matter and made recommendations to the Government.”

-It was agreed that a discussion concerning Standing Orders and the remit of the Committee in relation to semi-state bodies should take place in the near future. A letter from the Chairman to the Chief Whip concerning this matter is to be issued.

-It was agreed that the issue of Duty Free facilities should be dealt with as soon as possible.

-It was agreed that the Committee should liaise with other Committees whose remit overlaps with that of the Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport especially in relation to Transport matters.

-It was agreed that a list of semi-state bodies falling within the remit of the Committee should be circulated to Members.

-It was agreed that the Dept. of Public Enterprise should be contacted with regard to providing a report outlining legislation and secondary legislation that is in the pipeline.

-It was agreed to determine whether the Committee has an equivalent in the European Parliament.

-It was agreed that Members should submit suggestions with regard to setting up an agreed Programme of Work.

-It was agreed that the Committee seek its own Clerk.

4.Any Other Business:

The Agenda for the next meeting on Wednesday, 9 December 1997 at 1.45p.m. was agreed.

The meeting adjourned at 2.55p.m.

__________________________

Seán Doherty T.D.

Chairman

JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ENTERPRISE AND TRANSPORT

WEDNESDAY, 10 DECEMBER 1997

1.A meeting of the Joint Committee took place in Room G5 at 2.10 p.m. in public session.

2.Attendance: Deputies Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Michael Creed, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Seán Doherty, Phil Hogan, Noel O'Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates and Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald and Tom Fitzgerald (who substituted for Senator Des Hanafin).

3.It was agreed to defer all business except the election of the Vice-Chairman to the next meeting.

4.Election of Vice-Chairman

Deputy Brendan Daly was nominated by Senator Peter Callanan. As there was no other nominations, Deputy Daly was duly elected Vice-Chairman.

5.The meeting adjourned at 2.12 p.m. sine die.

_________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman.

7 January 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Wednesday, 7 January, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 3.00 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Liam Lawlor, Noel O'Flynn, Pat Carey in substitution for Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald, Tom Fitzgerald and Donie Cassidy in substitution for Des Hanafin, Fergus O'Dowd.

Deputy G.V. Wright also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 10 December, 1997 were agreed to with the addition of Senator Liam Fitzgerald to the attendance list.

4.Motion from Deputy Brendan Daly

Deputy Daly agreed not to proceed with his motion at this time as the electricity matters referred to were included in the draft work programme circulated to Members at the meeting.

5.Draft Work Programme

The following additions were put forward for inclusion in the draft work programme circulated to Members at the meeting:

Team Aer Lingus

Multi-Channel Television/Cablelink/Telecommunications Regulator

Alternative Energy Sources

Dublin Transportation issue

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

It was agreed that the Committee would meet on Tuesday, 13 January, 1998 at 3.00 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House to agree the Work Programme.

It was also agreed that the Telecommunications Regulator should be asked to attend the meeting to discuss Multi-Channel Television.

6.Circulation of Material received to Members

It was agreed that a list of documents/material received since the last meeting would be circulated by the Clerk with the agenda for the next meeting indicating that copies may be obtained by Members from the Clerk.

7.Bills

It was agreed that the Committee Stage of the following Bills would be dealt with by the Select Committee of Dáil Members as follows:

Tuesday 20/1/98, 11.00 a.m. Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Bill, 1997

Thursday 22/1/98. 10.00 a.m. Turf Development Bill, 1997.

8.Pending changes to status of duty-free facilities

The Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs Mary O'Rourke made a presentation which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

It became clear during the discussions that the issue was a cross Department/Cross Committee issue and that the facts and flavour of the 1992 discussion on the matter should be made available and the matter considered further.

Mr. John Lumsden and Matt Benville from the Department of Public Enterprise attended the meeting with the Minister.

__________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

13 January 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Tuesday, 13 January, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 3.00 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Phil Hogan, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Rory Kiely in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald, Tom Fitzgerald in substitution for Des Hanafin, Fergus O'Dowd and Shane Ross.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 7 January, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Draft Work Programme

The revised draft work programme placed before the Members was agreed to.

It was also agreed that the following matters would be considered and reported on in the months ahead:

Team Aer Lingus;

Multi-Channel Television/Cablelink/Telecommunications Regulator;

Alternative Energy Sources;

Dublin Transportation issue;

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland;

Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)/Non - Ionizing Radiation;

Iarnród Éireann/Urban/Rural Rail Service.

5.Meeting with Telecommunications Regulator

The Members made it clear in the strongest terms that the decision of the Regulator to decline to appear before them, on the basis that the office did not fall within the remit of the Joint Committee, was unacceptable.

It was agreed that–

(a)the Committee would report to the Houses as provided for under Standing Orders and to recommend that–

(i)the Committees Orders of Reference be amended to specifically provide for the Office of the Telecommunications Regulator, and

(ii)the report of the Committee be debated by the Dáil,

(b)the Chairman would meet with the Director to express the feelings of the Members and to seek agreement to a meeting at a future date.

6.Any other Business

(a)Orders of Reference

It was agreed that the attached letter be issued by the Chairman in connection with the Committees orders of reference.

(b)Meeting of Dáil Select Committee on 20 January, 1998

It was agreed that this meeting would take place at 2.00 p.m. instead of 11.00 a.m.

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.55 p.m. sine die.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

12 February 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 12 February, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.30 p.m. and 2.45 p.m. and in private session from 2.35 p.m. to 2.45 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Michael Ahern in substitution for Noel O'Flynn, Martin Brady, Michael Creed, Austin Currie, Liam Lawlor, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald, Tom Fitzgerald in substitution for Des Hanafin and Fergus O'Dowd.

Deputies Seán Ardagh, Paul Bradford, Deirdre Clune, John Gormley, Dinny McGinley and David Stanton also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 13 January, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Report to Houses relating to Director of Telecommunications Regulation

The draft report to the Dáil under Standing Order 78A(7) and to the Seanad under Standing Order 62A(7) in relation to the Director of Telecommunications Regulation was agreed to.

5.Meeting with Director of Telecommunications Regulation

The Director, Ms. Etain Doyle, accompanied by her officials Mr. Robert Jackson, Mr. John McQuaid and Ms. Regina Finn, made a presentation to the Committee which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members. Ms. Doyle agreed to attend the Committee again if requested to do so.

6.Electromagnetic fields: Meeting with ESB Management and the Cork Anti Pylon Action Group

The following representatives of ESB Management attended the meeting:

Mr. Ken O'Hara, Chief Executive

Mr. Kieran O'Brien, Managing Director National Grid

Mr. Larry Donald, Company Secretary

Mr. Bernard O'Reilly

Mr. John Gartlan

Mr. Cathal O'Luain

Mr. Eugene Bergin.

The following representatives of the Cork Anti Pylon Action Group attended the meeting:

Mr. William Cunningham, Chairman

Mr. John Ahern

Mr. J.J. Kett

Mr. Michael McCormack

Mr. Michael Whelan.

Oral evidence was given by each group and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

7.Any other Business

It was agreed that correspondence received by the Chairman and some Members would be discussed at the next meeting of the Joint Committee.

8.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5.20 p.m. sine die.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

26 February 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 26 February, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.30 p.m. and 2.35 p.m. and in private session from 2.32 p.m. to 2.35 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Noel O'Flynn, Seán Fleming in substitution for Dick Roche and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald, Tom Fitzgerald in substitution for Des Hanafin and Fergus O'Dowd.

Deputy Brendan Daly (Vice-Chairman) took the chair at 2.40 p.m.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 12 February, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Meeting with Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Dr. Tom O'Flaherty, Chief Executive

Mr. John D. Cunningham, Assistant Chief Executive

Mr. Francis J. Turvey, Assistant Chief Executive

of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland made presentations to the Committee as follows:

Dr. O'Flaherty - Background and principal activities of R.P.I.I.

Mr. Cunningham - the hazards to the Irish population from radioactive contamination of the environment and especially the Irish Sea, due mainly to discharges from Sellafield.

Mr. Turvey - the likelihood and potential consequences of accidents, in particular major accidents, at nuclear installations in the U.K.

These presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Any other Business

Non-ionising Radiation

The Committee agreed in private session that it would consider the public concern about mobile phones and transmission masts as soon as possible.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.50 p.m. sine die.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

26 March 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 26 March, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2:35 p.m and 2:40 p.m. and in private session from 2:36 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Noel O'Flynn and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and Willie Farrell (in substitution for Des Hanafin).

Senators Enda Bonner and Frank Chambers also attended.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 26 February, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Non-ionising radiation emissions from mobile phones and communications masts

(a)It was agreed in private session that the following should be invited before the Committee for or inter group discussion on this issue:

Esat Digifone,

Eircell,

Community Groups (Limited Number),

Department of Justice,

Garda Commissioner,

Director of Telecommunications Regulation.

It was also agreed that not more than two more meetings should be allocated to the issue and that those invited should be asked to bring any relevant technical experts with them.

(b)A joint presentation was made by the following Secretaries General on the current policy and its implementation in their respective Departments on this issue:

Mr. John Loughrey, Department of Public Enterprise,

Mr. Jimmy Farrelly, Department of the Environment and Local Government, and

Mr. Jerry O'Dwyer, Department of Health and Children.

The following personnel from these Departments also attended the meeting:

Mr. Brendan Tuohy, Assistant Secretary, Department of Public Enterprise,

Dr. Tom McManus, Chief Technical Adviser, Department of Public Enterprise,

Mr. Eamon Molloy, Principal, Department of Public Enterprise,

Ms. Mary Moylan, Principal Officer, Department of the Environment and Local Government, and

Mr. Raymond Ellord, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Department of Health and Children.

The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

It was agreed that representative(s) of the Departments would attend the inter group discussion with the other participants who are to meet the Committee.

5.Any other Business

It was agreed that the discussion document “The future Delivery of Television Services in Ireland” did not answer all the questions raised by Members at the meeting with the Director of Telecommunications Regulation on 12 February, 1998 on the licensing of deflector systems and that the Director should again be invited to attend before the Committee.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:05 p.m. sine die.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

23 April 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 23 April, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 11:40 a.m and in public session at 11:45 a.m. The meeting was suspended at 1:25 p.m. and resumed at 2:10 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Michael Creed, Austin Currie, Phil Hogan, Jim Mitchell, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and Liam Fitzgerald.

Apologies were received from Deputy Brendan Daly.

The following Members of the Houses also attended the meeting:

Deputies Louis Belton, Matt Brennan, Thomas Gildea, Cecilia Keaveney, Conor Lenihan, Dinny McGinley and Denis Naughton and Senators Enda Bonner, Pat Gallagher, Paddy McGowan and Pascal Mooney.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 26 March, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Non-ionising radiation emissions from mobile phones and communications masts

Oral evidence was taken from the following:

(1)Ms. Etain Doyle, Director of Telecommunications Regulation;

(2)Ms. Sheila Meehan, Moville Radiation Protection Group;

(3)Mr. Barry Maloney, Chief Executive, Esat Digifone;

(4)Mr. Brian McMahon, Cypress Grove Residents Association;

(5)Mr. Stephen Brewer, Chief Executive, Eircell;

(6)Ms. Geraldine Delorey, Carrick-on-Shannon Concerned Residents;

(7)Mr. Tim Dalton, Secretary General, Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform;

(8)Garda Commissioner M.P. Byrne;

(9)Mr. John Doyle, Cavan/Monaghan Anti-Mast Group;

(10)Mr. Alan Peacock, Dunmore East Anti-Mast Group;

(11)Ms. Colette O'Connell, Communities against Microwave Radiation.

This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members during which the following also made contributions:

(1)Mr. John Loughrey, Secretary General, Department of Public Enterprise;

(2)Mr. John Royds, Community Groups;

(3)Mr. Liam Hamilton, Head of Planning Telecommunications, An Garda Síochána;

(4)Professor Philip Walton, Esat Digifone and Department of Environmental Physics, University College Galway;

(5)Dr. Tom McManus, Chief Technical Adviser, Department of Public Enterprise;

(6)Mr. Seamus Hughes, ESB;

(7)Dr. Anthony Staines, Eircell and Department of Public Health, University College Dublin;

(8)Ms. Mary Moylan, Principal Officer, Department of the Environment and Local Government;

(9)Mr. Ray Ellard, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Department of Health and Children;

(10)Mr. Vincent Manning.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4:50 p.m. sine die.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

7 May 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 7 May, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. and 2.55 p.m. and in private session from 2.40 p.m. to 2.55 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Noel O'Flynn and Emmet Stagg.

Senators Peter Callanan and Ann Leonard (in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald).

Apologies were received from Deputy Ivan Yates.

3.Business

The Joint Committee agreed to deal with items 1, 4 and 5 on the agenda in public session and items 2 and 3 in private session.

4.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 23 April, 1998 were agreed to.

5.Private Session

6.Private Session

7.Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

In view of the recent developments with Luas it was agreed that Iarnród Éireann should be invited in as soon as possible. It was also suggested that the following might also be invited to appear before the Committee:

Group Chief Executive C.I.E.,

Bus Éireann,

Dublin Bus,

Dublin Transportation Office,

Mr. Owen Keegan, Director of Traffic, Dublin Corporation,

Dublin City Manager, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire, Rathdown and South Dublin County Managers,

Department of Public Enterprise,

Selected Chambers of Commerce (Sligo line/Westport line),

Dublin 15 Community Council,

Forfás,

I.B.E.C.,

Bord Fáilte.

8.Any other business

Revised Terms of Reference

It was agreed that the Chairman would write to the Minister seeking a list of bodies under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise which are required by law to prepare annual reports or annual reports and accounts to be laid before either House or both Houses of the Oireachtas.

9.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.20 p.m. sine die.

_____________

Seán Doherty

Chairman

4 June 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 14 May, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 1:05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Willie Farrell (in substitution for Peter Callanan) and Shane Ross.

Other Members who attended:

Deputies Louis Belton, Mattie Brennan, Beverly Cooper-Flynn, John Ellis, Michael Kitt, Denis Naughton, John Perry, Gerry Reynolds and Michael Ring and Senator Frank Chambers.

3.Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations, Presentations on Rail Situation

The meeting was attended by the following representatives of Iarnród Éireann, Chambers of Commerce and the Dublin 15 Community Council:

Mr. Michael P. McDonnell, Group Chief Executive, Córas Iompair Éireann;

Mr. Joe Meagher, Chief Executive, Iarnród Éireann;

Mr. Tom Finn, Manager Strategic Planning, Iarnród Éireann;

Mr. Jim Lawlor, Chairman, Sligo Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure Committee;

Mr. Lionel Knott, President, Boyle Chamber of Commerce;

Mr. Frank Feighan, Secretary, Boyle Chamber of Commerce;

Mr. John Costelloe, Carrick-on-Shannon Chamber of Commerce;

Ms. Anne Marie Burke, Mullingar Chamber of Commerce;

Mr. Jim Guiney, Chairperson, Dublin 15 Community Council;

Mr. John Todd, Transport Spokesperson, Dublin 15 Community Council;

Mr. Peter Shanley, Chairman, West Region Chambers of Commerce of Ireland; and

Mr. Pierce O'Malley, President, Westport Chamber of Commerce.

Oral presentations were made by:

Mr. Michael P. McDonnell;

Mr. John Todd;

Mr. Jim Lawlor; and

Mr. Peter Shanley.

This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned sine die at 4:30 p.m.

_________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

4 June 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 4 June, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.05 p.m. and 2.35 p.m. and in private session from 2.10 p.m. to 2.20 p.m. The meeting was suspended at 2.20 p.m. and reconvened at 2.35 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Frank Chambers (in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald) and Fergus O'Dowd.

3.Business

The Joint Committee agreed to deal with items 1, 3 and 4 on the agenda in public session and item 2 in private session.

4.Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 7 May 1998 and 14 May 1998 were agreed to.

5.Private Session

6.Public Transport, Presentation by Director of Traffic, Dublin Corporation

The meeting was attended by the following representatives of the Director of Traffic's Office, Dublin Corporation:

Mr. Owen Keegan, Director of Traffic;

Mr. Con Coll, Principal Officer;

Mr. Christy O'Sullivan, Senior Engineer;

Mr. Tim O'Sullivan, Senior Engineer.

An oral presentation was made by Mr. Owen Keegan. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned sine die at 3.50 p.m.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

2 July 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 2 July, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.50 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Liam Lawlor, Noel O'Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg.

Senators Peter Callanan and Fergus O'Dowd.

Deputies Seán Ardagh and Seán Ryan also attended.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 4 June 1998 were agreed to.

4.Public Transport Infrastucture and Operations – Presentation by Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann

The following representatives of Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann attended the meeting:

Mr. Michael McDonnell, Chairman, Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann;

Dr. Alan Westwell, Managing Director, Bus Átha Cliath;

Mr. Liam Walsh, General Manager, Bus Átha Cliath;

Mr. Bill Lilley, Managing Director, Bus Éireann;

Mr. Tim Hayes, Business Development Manager;

Mr. Gerry Sullivan.

Mr. McDonnell made an oral presentation on Bus Átha Cliath. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members. Because of time constraints it was agreed that Bus Éireann be invited in again in September 1998 to make its presentation.

5.Any other business

(a)South East Community Television

It was agreed that South East Community Television be invited to the next meeting of the Joint Committee to make a presentation on multi-channel television coverage and provision of a community t.v. channel.

(b)Rapporteurs Report on Communications Masts

Arising from a matter raised by Deputy Trevor Sargent the Chairman indicated that:

(i)all submissions received had been given to the Rapporteur for consideration in the preparation of his report;

(ii)while the Committee had agreed at a previous meeting that only those submissions which had been examined by the Committee would be published with the report, with all other submissions being acknowledged in the report, the Committee could when adopting the report decide to publish some of the submissions received but not examined by the Committee.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned sine die at 4.40 p.m.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

1 October 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 8 September, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.40 p.m. in Room 114, Leinster House with members of the Committee on National Economy, Agriculture and Transport of the Senate of the Czech Republic.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Alyward, Johnny Brady (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady), Austin Currie, Noel O'Flynn and Emmet Stagg.

Senators Peter Callanan and Fergus O'Dowd.

Apologies were received from Deputies Martin Brady and Ivan Yates.

The following members of the Senate of the Czech Republic attended:

Jaroslav Jure_ka (Chairman), Karel Burda, Jaroslav Pet_ík, Vladimir Oplt and Alfréd Michalík.

3.Discussion

Both Chairmen outlined the roles of their Committees and this was followed by a discussion on transport matters in each country covering road, rail and bus and the method of privatisation followed in the Czech Republic. Other issues raised included the Russian economic crisis, nuclear energy, the Roma population and Czech Republic preparation for EU membership.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.25 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, 17 September, 1998.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

1 October 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 17 September, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.05 p.m. in public session in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Brendan Daly (Vice-Chairman in the Chair), Liam Alyward, Martin Brady, Michael Creed, Austin Currie, Brian O'Shea (in substitution for Emmet Stagg), Dick Roche and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin), Willie Farrell (in substitution for Peter Callanan), Fergus O'Dowd and Tom Hayes (in part substitution for Fergus O'Dowd).

Apologies were received from Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman) and Noel O'Flynn.

3.Presentation by South East Community Television

The following representatives of South East Community Television attended the meeting:

Mr. Johnny Fahey,

Mr. Paddy Horgan,

Mrs Mary McCormack,

Mr. Michael Bulfin,

Mr. Michael Murphy, and

Mr. Michael Power.

Mr. Michael Power, Secretary made an oral presentation. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members. It was agreed that:

(i)an all party resolution, calling for new regulations for licensing operators to restore multi-channel television to areas of interest to South East Community Television at an early date, should be placed before the Committee at the next meeting on 1 October, 1998 with a view to having it included in the Committee's report to the Houses on this matter;

(ii)the Director of Telecommunications Regulation be asked to expediate the regulations for licensing.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.00 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 1 October, 1998.

________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

1 October 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 1 October, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. and in private session from 2.38 p.m. to 2.40 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche and Trevor Sargent.

Senators Peter Callanan and John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin).

Apologies were received from Deputy Ivan Yates.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meetings of 2 July, 1998, 8 September, 1998 and 17 September, 1998 were agreed to.

Arising from the minutes of the meeting of 17 September, 1998 the following resolution was agreed to:

“The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport calls on the Director of the Office of Telecommunications Regulation to bring forward, and the Minister for Public Enterprise to consent to, the relevant regulations to facilitate the licensing of television transmission systems of analogue services on a short term or an interim basis until a digitalised transmission service is available nationwide and that such short term or interim transmission licences would be made available to commercial and community groups who have been providing a multi-channel television service through what are known as ‘deflector’ services over the past number of years and that these measures would be operational as soon as possible.”

It was agreed that the minutes of evidence of 17 September, 1998 meeting, the written submission received and the agreed resolution would constitute the Committee report on the meeting with South East Community Television.

4.Rapporteur’s Report on Communications Masts

It was agreed that:

(i)the first draft of the report would be circulated to Members who should return, in writing, any proposed deletions or inclusions to the Clerk by Friday, 9 October, 1998;

(ii)the Committee would consider all amendments received and agree ones to be included in the report or excluded from the report;

(iii)the Rapporteur would include the agreed amendments in the final report and return the report for formal approval by the Committee.

It was also agreed that this process should be completed at two meetings.

5.Report on Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

It was agreed that:

(i)the Joint Committee would engage, subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance, the services of person(s) with specialist knowledge to assist it in preparing this report;

(ii)draft terms of reference for the consultant/specialist, a list of potential consultants/specialists and criteria for selecting a consultant/specialist would be placed before the Committee at the next meeting;

(iii)Members would supply the Clerk with the names of groups/organisations who would be invited to make submissions on this topic;

(iv)the target date for a report on this matter will be March 1999.

The schedule of meetings for the period October 1998 to December 1998 at Appendix 1 was agreed to.

6.Annual Report

It was agreed that each Annual Report of the Joint Committee required under Standing Orders would consist of:

(a)a brief report on the work carried out to date by the Committee,

(b)a brief report on the work in progress of the Committee, to include a brief note from Rapporteurs, if any, on items they are dealing with,

(c)a report on the Committees procedure and role indicating either that it is happy with same or indicating changes wanted,

(d)the work programme of the Committee for the following year, and

(e)the public minutes of proceedings of the Committee.

7.Correspondence

(i)Letter from C.I.E. Trade Union Group seeeking meeting to discuss Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

As indicated in Appendix 1 it was agreed to invite the C.I.E. Trade Union Group to meet the Committee.

(ii)Letter from Chairman of the All Party Committee on the S.M.I.

It was agreed to invite the Secretary General to address the S.M.I. issue at the meeting with him to discuss Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations and that a further meeting to deal with S.M.I. would be arranged if considered necessary.

(iii)Letters from Deputy Dick Roche concerning communications mast in Co. Wicklow

It was agreed that the report being prepared by the Rapporteur and the item agreed at 4 dealt with this matter.

8.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.05 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 15 October, 1998.

9.Private Session

_________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

29 October 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 29 October, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 1.05 p.m. and in private session at 2.56 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Pat Carey (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin) and Fergus O’Dowd.

Public Session

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 1 October, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Report on Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

(i)The terms of reference, criteria for selecting a consultant and list of potential consultants were agreed to.

(ii)It was also agreed that letters seeking tender proposals should be issued as soon as possible.

(iii)The following representatives of Forfás and Bord Fáilte Éireann attended the meeting:

Forfás

Mr. John Travers, Chief Executive,

Mr. Jim Bourke, Manager, Enterprise, Policy and Planning Division, and

Mr. Ray Bowe, Manager, Enterprise, Policy and Economics Department

Bord Fáilte

Mr. John Dully, Chief Executive,

Mr. Ciarán Tuite, Head of Market Planning, and

Ms. Rhonwen Watson, Market Planning Officer

Mr. Travers and Mr. Dully made oral presentations to the Members and there were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Correspondence

(a)Dublin 15 Community Council

It was agreed that the Dublin 15 Community Council letter of 22 September, 1998 would be placed with material for the consultant on the Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations report and that it may be raised with the Dublin Transportation Office representatives when they appear before the Committee.

(b)United Christian Broadcasters Ltd.

It was agreed that United Christian Broadcasters Ltd. be invited in to make a presentation to the Committee on Thursday, 26 November, 1998 in addition to I.B.E.C. who will be making a presentation on the Public Transport issue.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.00 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 12 November, 1998.

_________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

12 November 1998

APPENDIX 8

Oireachtas Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Work Programme 1999

A JOINT COMMITTEE

Issues for consideration* and reporting on:

1.Sectors

(a)Inland Transport

–Rail Services

–Mainline

Rural

Urban

–Bus Services

–Public

Private

–Public Transport in Dublin/Dublin Transportation issue

–Road Haulage

–CIE [Bus Átha Cliath/Bus Éireann/Iarnród Éireann].

(b)Aviation

–Air Safety

–Airspace Management

–International Services

–Regional Services

–Aer Lingus Group/Team Aer Lingus

–Aer Rianta

–Irish Aviation Authority.

(c)Energy

–Security, Efficiency & Continuity of Supply

–Environment

–Electricity/ESB

–Alternative energy sources

–Gas/Bord Gáis Éireann

–Peat/Bord na Móna

–Oil/Irish National Petroleum Corporation.

(d)Communications

–Telecommunications

–Multi-Channel Television/Cablelink/Telecommunications Regulator

–Information Society

–Postal Services

–Telecom Éireann

–An Post.

(e)Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Electromagnetic Fields (E.M.F.)/Non-Ionising Radiation.

2.Common Issues to Commercial State Companies

–Impact of Competition

–State ownership

–Department's role

–Regulation.

3.Policy/Administration

–Strategy Statement of Department

(i)Policy with Minister/Minister for State

(ii)Administration with Secretary General/Designated Offices

–Policy of bodies under the aegis of the Department (12 bodies)

–The annual reports or annual reports and accounts, strategy statements/corporate plans of the bodies under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise.

4.Such other matters as the Committee may decide

*Consideration to consist of any or all of the following as the Committee may decide in each case:

(i)Members

(ii)Ministers

(iii)Secretary General/Designated Persons

(iv)Oral evidence from certain groups/individuals

(v)Written and oral submissions from selected groups

(vi)Open advertising for submissions.

5.Travel

As considered necessary by the Committee having regard to its financial allocation.

B DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE

Consideration of:

–Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann

–Estimates for Public Services under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise.

* De bhun Bhuan Ordú 66(1) den Seanad, ghlac an Seanadóir Seán Ó Críogáin ionad an tSeanadóra Deasún Ó hAinifín.

* Pursuant to Seanad Standing Order 66(1), Senator John Cregan substituted for Senator Des Hanafin.