Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2000 > Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, 1998 -1999

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

1998-1999

Work Programme of the Joint Committee 2000

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

1998-1999

Work Programme of the Joint Committee 2000

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 25 November, 1999 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

•legislation 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. 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 is set out at Section 8.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee scheduled 22 meetings in the period (November, 1998, to 30 November, 1999) under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 39 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 13 occasions in the period under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 18 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 meetings in public session are attached at Appendix 7.

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 22 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Inland Public Transport

•Telecommunications Regulation

•Radon in Homes.

•Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and International Security

•Ryanair plans for Dublin and Shannon Airports

•Strategic Direction and I.P.O. of Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta

•Electricity Capacity

•Post Office Network

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 13 occasions the Committee met it dealt with the following matters:

•Supplementary Estimate 1998 – Department of Public Enterprise

•Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Bill, 1998 – Committee Stage

•Road Transport Bill, 1998 – Committee Stage

•Revised Estimate 1999 – Department of Public Enterprise.

•Electricity Regulation Bill, 1998 – Committee Stage

•Radiological Protection (Amendment) Bill, 1998 - Committee Stage [Seanad]

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

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

•The Minister for Public Enterprise

•Civil Servants from the Departments of Public Service, Environment and Local Government and Health and Children

•3 State Sponsored Bodies (E.S.B., Aer Rianta and An Post)

•5 Interest Groups (Irish Business and Employers Confederation, Private Association of Motor Bus Owners, Federation Of Transport Operators, United Christian Broadcasters and Chiropractic Association of Ireland)

•3 Consultants (Colm McCarthy, International Risk Management Services and Arthur D. Little)

•C.I.E. Group of Unions

•Dublin Transportation Office

•National Economic and Social Council and the Economic and Social Research Institute.

•Director of Telecommunications Regulation

•Western Development Commission.

•The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland.

•Dr. Gordon Thompson, Institute of Resource & Security Studies, USA.

•Chief Executive of Ryanair.

•Irish Postmasters’ Union.

8. Joint Committee Reports

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

•Annual Report 1997-1998 and Work Programme 1999

•Non-Ionising Microwave Radiation Transmissions from Communications Masts.

•Public Transport Investment Priorities for the Millennium.

•Meeting with Radiological Protection Institution of Ireland and Dr. Gordon Thompson, Institute of Resource and Security Studies, U.S.A.

9. Work Programme 2000

A copy of the Joint Committees work programme for 2000 is at Appendix 8.

10. Travel by the Joint Committee

During the period 1 – 7 August, 1999 a delegation from the Joint Committee went to San Francisco on a fact finding visit in connection with its report on Public Transport Investment. The delegation which visited comprised of Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie and Senators John Cregan and Fergus O’Dowd. The main focus of the visit was to see how the city 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

The Committee is happy with its present procedures and role following the modification of its Orders of Reference in 1998.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

January 2000

Imeachtaí an Chomhchoiste

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Déardaoin, 27 Eanair, 2000

Thursday, 27 January, 2000

1.Chruinnigh an Coiste ar 2.00 p.m.

2.Comhaltaíiláthair.

Bhí na comhaltaí seo a leanas i láthair:-

Na Teachtaí Seán Ó Dochartaigh (i gCeannas), Máirtín Ó Brádaigh, Simon Coveney, Aibhistín Ó Comhraí, Nollaig Ó Floinn, Risteard De Róiste, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates agus Seanadóirí Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald agus Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Dréacht-Tuarascáil Bhliantúil ón gComhchoiste um Fhiontair Phoiblí agus Iompar 1998/1999 agus an Clár Oibre 2000.

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 2.20 p.m. go dtí 6.30 p.m. Dé Máirt, 8 Feabhra, 2000.

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

1.The Joint Committee met at 2.00 p.m.

2.Members Present.

The following members were present:-

Deputies Seán Doherty (in the Chair), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg, Ivan Yates and Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald and Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Draft Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport 1998/1999 and Work Programme 2000.

The Chairman brought forward the Draft Report for consideration.

Draft Report agreed to.

Ordered: To report accordingly.

4.Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 2.20 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 February, 2000.

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

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

(1)Senator John Cregan was appointed in substitution for Senator Des Hanafin on 13/07/99

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (continued)

*Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

(1)Sen. John Cregan was appointed in substitution for Sen. Des Hanafin on 13/07/99

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

*Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee (Continued)

*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 Thursday, 12 November, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. and in private session from 4.10 p.m. to 4.20 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House. The meeting was suspended from 3.25 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

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

Senator John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin).

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 29 October, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

The following representatives of the C.I.E. Group of Unions, P.A.M.B.O. attended the meeting:

C.I.E. Group of Unions

Mr. Hugh Geraghty, Group Secretary, I.C.T.U.

Mr. Finbarr Dorgan, T.W.U. Chairman of Group

Mr. Tim O’Connor, Transport Services and Staff Association

P.A.M.B.O.

Mr. Richard O’Byrne, Chairman

Mr. Mike Goodliffe, Chief Executive

F.O.T.O.

Mr. Frank King, Consultant

Ms. Cora Collins, Vice President

Mr. Peter Christian

Mr. Geraghty, Mr. O’Byrne and Mr. King made oral presentations to the Members and these were followed in each case by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

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

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

26 November 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 26 November, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.50 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Dick Roche and Eoin Ryan (in substitution for Brendan Daly).

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

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel O’Flynn, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

3.Minutes

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

4.Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations

The following representatives of I.B.E.C. attended the meeting:

Mr. Pat Lynch, Chairman I.B.E.C. Transport Council,

Mr. John Kenna, Director, Transport Policy,

Ms. Jackie Harrison, Director, I.B.E.C., and

Ms. Karen Gannon, Assistant Director, Transport Policy.

The I.B.E.C. representatives made an oral presentation to the Members and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.06 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 10 December, 1998.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

10 December 1998

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 10 December, 1998

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.05 p.m. and in public session at 2.15 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Johnny Brady (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Dick Roche and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin).

3.Minutes

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

4.Engagement of Consultant for Public Transport Report

It was agreed that the Policy Institute, Trinity College be engaged as Consultant to assist the Committee in preparation of its report on Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations and that the necessary administrative steps be taken to make the appointment by 1 January 1999.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 2.16 p.m. until Thursday, 7 January, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

7 January 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 7 January, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.00 p.m. and in public session at 2.10 p.m. in the Seanad Chamber, Leinster House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

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

Senators Peter Callanan, John Connor (in substitution for Shane Ross), John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin), Liam Fitzgerald and Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 10 December, 1998 were agreed to.

4.Electricity Generation - Meeting with representatives of the ESB

The following representatives of the ESB attended the meeting;

Mr. Ken O’Hara made an oral presentation to the members and this was followed by a question and answer session between members and the ESB representatives.

5.Any other Business

(i)It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet with representatives of the various bodies under the aegis of the Department of Public Enterprise during the year to review recent events and preview future plans/developments.

(ii)It was agreed that the following bodies/individuals be invited to five meetings to take oral evidence in connection with the Committee’s report on Public Transport:-

1.Dublin Transportation Office.

2.Colm McCarthy, D.K.M.

3.NESC

4.Department of the Environment and Local Government and ESRI

5.Department of Public Enterprise.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.00 p.m. until Thursday, 21 January, 1999 at 2.00 p.m.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

21 January 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 21 January, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.05 p.m. in the Seanad Chamber, Leinster House.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan (in substitution for Des Hanafin), Willie Farrell (in substitution for Peter Callanan), Pat Moylan (in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald) and Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 7 January, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Draft Schedule of Meetings from February 1999 to September 1999

The Draft Schedule of meetings for the period February 1999 to September 1999 was agreed to on the basis that:-

(i)if any special meetings were arranged by the Committee, meetings listed on the Schedule will be moved back by the appropriate number of weeks.

(ii)other relevant witnesses may be in attendance on days the various groups/bodies are attending, eg, Dr. Gordon Thompson with the R.P.I.I.

(iii)groups/bodies due to attend may be moved up the Schedule if the Committee so decide.

5.Letter from Mary O’Rourke T.D., Minister for Public Enterprise

The Minister requested an urgent examination of allegations concerning the independent review of railway safety carried out by International Risk Management Services (I.R.M.S.). It was agreed that:-

(a)the matter would dealt with under the existing remit of the Joint Committee,

(b)a meeting of the Joint Committee would be held at which the subject matter would be Public Transport Infrastructure and Operations, Consideration of I.R.M.S. and Arthur Little Reports,

(c)witnesses to give evidence at the meeting, to include the Minister and Department officials, would be discussed by party representatives and agreed at the next meeting on 4 February 1999,

(d)a date for the meeting would be agreed when the list of witnesses is decided.

6.Public Transport, Presentation by Mr. Colm McCarthy

Mr. Colm McCarthy, DKM Economic Consultants Ltd., made an oral presentation to the members on Public Transport and Housing Development. This was followed by a question and answer session with the members.

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 3.55 p.m. until Thursday, 4 February, 1999 at 2.00 p.m.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

4 February 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 4 February, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.05 p.m. and in Private Session at 4.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

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

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputy Jim Mitchell and Senator Liam Fitzgerald.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 21 January, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Draft Schedule for consideration of Railway Safety Reports

The Draft Schedule, copy attached, was agreed subject to an acceptance that the times outlined being flexible and to presentations, if any, by witnesses being confined to approximately ten minutes.

5.Presentation by Director of Telecommunications Regulation

The following representatives of the Office of the Director of Telecommunications Regulation attended the Meeting:-

Ms. Etain Doyle, Director,

Ms. Regina Finn, Head of Telecommunications Licensing,

Mr. John McQuaid, Head of Technology Divisional,

Mr. Hugh Tuckey, Head of Radio and Broadcasting Licensing.

Ms. Etain Doyle made an oral presentation to the members reviewing work carried out to date and work underway and setting out future plans. This was followed by a question and answer session with the members.

6.Presentation by United Christian Broadcasters Ltd.

Mr. Gareth Littler, Managing Director, accompanied by Mr. Damian Collins, Made an oral presentation to the members outlining the failure of U.C.B. to get a licence for a Christian Music Station in Ireland.

It was agreed that, while this matter was more appropriate to another Committee of the Houses, background information should be requested from the Independent Radio and Television Commission on the matter.

7.Private Session

8.Time of Joint Committee Meetings

The Committee had a choice of meeting times of either 9.00 a.m. or 2.30 p.m. every second Thursday. As members had mixed preference it was agreed that the Committee would experiment with the next meeting at 9.00 a.m.

9.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.10 p.m. until Thursday, 18 February, 1999 at 9.00 a.m.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

18 February 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 18 February, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.05 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 4 February, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Public Transport, Presentation by Dublin Transportation Office

The following representatives of the Dublin Transportation Office attended the meeting:-

Mr. Conor McCarthy, Chairman,

Mr. John Henry, Director and Chief Executive.

Mr. Henry made an oral presentation to the Members on “Transportation in Dublin 1999 and beyond” and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10.55 a.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 24 February, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

4 March 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Wednesday, 24 February, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.35 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, to consider the I.R.M.S. and Arthur D. Little Ltd., Reports on Railway Infrastructure Safety. The Committee went into private session from 9.35 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., 10.30 a.m. to 10.35 a.m. and 12.20 p.m. to 12.30 p.m. The meeting was suspended from 1.10 p.m. to 2.15 p.m.

2.Attendance

The following Committee Members were present:

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Liam Lawlor, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

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

Apologies for inability to attend was received from Senator Shane Ross.

3.Consideration of Railway Infrastrucutre Safety Reports

Oral evidence was taken from the following groups/individuals in the order indicated:-

(i)Iarnrod Éireann Representatives:-

Mr. Joe Meagher, Chief Executive,

Mr. Ted Corcoran, Head of Safety,

Mr. Brian Garvey, Chief Engineer (Infrastructure),

Mr.Tom Devoy, Manager (North East),

(ii)I.R.M.S. Representatives:-

Mr. Anthony Pickett, Director,

Mr. Andrew Smith, Managing Director,

Mr. David Maidment, Consultant.

(iii)Mr. Pat Lynch, former C.I.E. Director and Former Chairman of the C.I.E. Safety Committee.

(iv)Department of Public Enterprise Officials:-

Mr. John Loughrey, Secretary General,

Mr. Pat Mangan, Assistant Secretary,

Mr. Robin McKay, Principal Officer,

Mr. John Welsby, Railway Inspecting Officer.

(v)Mr. Richard Clarke, Arthur D. Little Limited

Mr. Tony Goodyear, Halcrow Transmark

(vi)Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O’Rourke T.D.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.40 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Thursday, 4 March, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

4 March 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 4 March, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.35 p.m. and in Private Session from 2.40 p.m. to 2.50 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Brendan Daly (Vice Chairman in the Chair), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Austin Curry, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and Fergus O’Dowd.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Séan Doherty (Chairman).

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 18 February, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Public Transport, Presentation by N.E.S.C. Representatives

The following representatives of the N.E.S.C. attended the meeting:-

Dr. Sile O’Connor, Director.,

Mr. Joe Larragy, Social Policy Analyst,

Mr. Noel Cahill, Economist and

Mr. Cathal Guiomard, Economist.

Dr. O’Connor and Mr. Larragy made oral presentations to the Members on the “N.E.S.C. Report No. 102: Population Distribution and Economic Development: Trends and Policy Implications and Settlement Patterns and Infrastructural Challenges.” These presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

6Private Session

6.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.00 p.m. Sine die.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

1 April 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 1 April, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 9.05 a.m. and in Public Session at 9.10 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and Liam Fitzgerald.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Emmet Stagg.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 4 March, 1999 were agreed to.

It was also agreed that the Independent Radio and Television Commission be written to asking them to meet with United Christian Broadcasters Ltd. to discuss their proposed broadcasting licensing regime.

4.Public Transport, Presentation by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and E.S.R.I. Representatives

The following representatives attended the meeting:-

(a)The Department of the Environment and Local Government.

Mr. Niall Callan, Assistant Secretary,

Mr. Jim Humphreys, Principal Officer,

Mr. Donal Enright, Principal Officer,

Mr. Maurice Coughlan, Assistant Principal Officer.

(b)The Economic and Social Research Institute (E.S.R.I.)

Professor Brendan J. Whelan, Director,

Mr. John Fitzgerald,

Ms. Susan Scott.

Mr. Niall Callan, Professor Brendan J. Whelan, Director, Mr. John Fitzgerald and Ms. Susan Scott made oral presentations to the Members. These presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Public Transport

It was agreed that Department of Education and Science Representatives be invited to attend the meeting on 29 April, 1999, to discuss the implications of providing an Urban School Transport System.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10.40 a.m. until 1.30 p.m. on Thursday, 15 April, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

27 May 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 15 April, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 1.30 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Curry, Phil Hogan, Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

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

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Emmet Stagg.

3.Presentation by R.P.I.I. Representatives and Dr. Gordon Thompson

The following representatives attended the meeting:-

(a)The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (R.P.I.I).

Dr. Mary Upton, Chairman,

Dr. Tom O’Flaherty, Chief Executive,

Mr. John D. Cunningham, Deputy Chief Executive.

(b)The Institute of Resource and Security Studies, U.S.A.

Dr. Gordon Thompson, Executive Director,

The R.P.I.I. representatives made an oral presentation on the Mission Statement, Principal Activities and Future Plans of their organisation and Dr. Thompson made a presentation entitled “Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and International Security”. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

It was agreed that the next steps in regard to Dr. Thompson’s presentations would be discussed at the next Joint Committee meeting.

4.Any Other Business

Proposals for dealing with two items of Correspondence from Viridian Power Resources Ltd. and Ms. Gerardine Delorey, Secretary, Carrick-on-Shannon Concerned Residents were agreed to.

5.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned to 9.00 a.m. on Thursday, 29 April, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

27 May 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 29 April, 1999

1.The Joint Committee was scheduled to meet at 9.00 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn and Dick Roche.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Ivan Yates and Austin Currie and Senator Fergus O’Dowd.

3.As a quorum was not present after fifteen minutes the Committee stood adjourned in accordance with Standing Orders 86 (1) of the Dáil and 77 (1) of the Seanad.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

27 May 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 27 May, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.03 p.m. and in public session at 2.05 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Seán Ardagh (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Austin Curry, Cecilia Keaveney (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Liam Lawlor and Dick Roche.

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

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Ivan Yates.

3.Minutes

The minutes of meetings of 1 April, 1999, and 15 April, 1999, were agreed to.

4.Presentation by the Western Development Commission

The following representatives of the Western Development Commission attended the meeting.

Mr. Liam Scollan, Chief Executive,

Mr. John O’ Neill.

Mr. Scollan made an oral presentation to the members setting out the role of the Commission and its views on development and investment needs in its area. This was followed by a question and answer session with the members.

5.Taking of evidence on Radiological Protection (Amendment) Bill, 1998

The following representatives attended the meeting.

(a)Department of Health and Children

Mr. Jerry O’Dwyer, Secretary General and

Mr. Tom Power, Principal Officer

(b)Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

Dr. Tom O’Flaherty, Chief Executive and

Dr. Ann McGarry, Principal Scientific Officer

(c)Chiropractic Association of Ireland (C.A.I.)

Mr. Rory Murphy, President,

Mr. James Cosgrave, Vice President,

Dr. Alan Calvert, Radiation Protection Adviser, and

Dr. Tim Collins, Public Affairs Adviser.

Mr. O’Dwyer, Dr. O’Flaherty and the four C.A.I. representatives made oral presentations to the members. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the members.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 4.23 p.m. Sine die.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

8 July 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 8 July, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 1.00 p.m. and in public session at 1.15 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Theresa Ahern (in substitution for Phil Hogan), Denis Foley (in Substitution for Liam Lawlor), John J. McGuinness (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche and Trevor Sargent.

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of meetings of 27 May, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and International Security, next steps.

The Chairman outlined a number of options for dealing with the matter. It was agreed that Members would think about the matter over the summer recess and make their views and suggestions known to the Clerk to enable the Committee pursue the matter in the Autumn.

Arising from an article in The Independent on Sunday, 4 July, 1999, Deputy Trevor Sargent proposed the following resolution:-

“That all possible diplomatic measures be brought to bear on Governments responsible for nuclear shipments to end all such shipments and that this Committee supports a similar call to the call from Prime Ministers of Eastern Caribbean States to stop these shipments forthwith.”

It was agreed that Deputy Sargent would make a copy of the article available to the Members of the Committee and that Deputy Sargent and the Committee whips would bring forward an agreed resolution for consideration by the Committee at its meeting on Wednesday 21 July 1999.

5.Correspondence

(i)Deputy Dick Roche on possibility of Sub-Post Office Closures

It was agreed that both the Chief Executive of An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union be asked for written submissions on this matter with a view to both making an oral presentation to the Committee in the Autumn.

(ii)Mr. Brendan Ogle - Executive Secretary, Irish Locomotive Drivers Association.

It was agreed that Mr. Ogle be informed that his letter had been considered by the Committee and its contents noted.

6.The Centre for Independent Living (CIL) Literature - relating to transport access for disabled people

It was agreed that the Centre for Independent Living be written to and informed that they would be invited before the Committee later this year to make a presentation to it.

7.Private Session

8.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1.35 p.m. until 1.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 21 July, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

21 July 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Wednesday, 21 July, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 1.00 p.m. in Room G24, Kildare House, Kildare Street.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Denis Foley (in Substitution for Martin Brady), for Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg.

Senators Peter Callinan, Rory Kiely (in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald) and Fergus O’Dowd.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Martin Brady and Ivan Yates.

3.Private Session

4.Private Session

5.Private Session

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 1.55 p.m. Sine Die.

Sean Doherty T.D.,

Chairman

27 October 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 20 October, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.00 a.m. and in private session at 9.15 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street. The meeting was suspended at 9.16 a.m. and resumed at 9.18 a.m

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callinan, John Cregan, Liam Fitzgerald and Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Death of Former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch: Expression of Sympathy

Many of the Members present made expressions of sympathy following the death of former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch R.I.P., earlier in the morning. The Minister for Public Enterprise, Ms. Mary O’Rourke T.D., who was present at the meeting joined in the expressions of sympathy.

The meeting was adjourned as a mark of respect to the late former Taoiseach.

4.Meeting with Minister for Public Enterprise to discuss Strategic Alliance and I.P.O. of both Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta

It was agreed to postpone the discussion on these matters as a mark of respect to the late former Taoiseach.

5.Meeting with Chief Executive, Ryanair

It was agreed that Mr. Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive be invited to give evidence to the Committee on Ryanair’s plans for new routes, low fares and new jobs on Wednesday, 27 October, 1999.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 9.20 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, 27 October 1999.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

4 November 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Wednesday, 27 October, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 12.00 noon and in private session from 12.01 p.m. to 12.10 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Phil Hogan, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Dick Roche), Liam Lawlor, Batt O’Keeffe (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callinan, John Cregan, Liam Fitzgerald, Fergus O’Dowd and Shane Ross.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 21 July, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by Chief Executive, Ryanair.

The following representatives of Ryanair attended the meeting;

Mr. Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive

Mr. Sean Coyle, Special Projects Manager

Mr. Howard Miller, Director of Finance

Ms. Anne-Marie Hayes

Mr. O’Leary made an oral presentation to the Members on Ryanair’s plans for new routes and low fares and for new jobs here in Ireland, spread between Dublin and Shannon airports. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.15 p.m. until 9.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 3 November, 1999.

Sean Doherty T.D.

Chairman

18 November 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Wednesday, 3 November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 9.03 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Dick Roche), Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan, Liam Fitzgerald and Fergus O’Dowd.

Deputy G.V. Wright also attended the meeting.

3.Presentation by Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O’Rourke T.D.

The Minister made a presentation on matters relating to Aer Lingus and to Aer Rianta. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

4.Private Session.

5.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 10.33 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. on Thursday, 4 November, 1999.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

18 November 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 4 November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 12.20 p.m. and in private session from 12.21 p.m. to 12.35 p.m. in Room G5, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Liam Lawlor, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan, Liam Fitzgerald, and Shane Ross.

Deputies Batt O’Keeffe and G.V. Wright also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 20 October, 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by Chief Executive, Aer Rianta.

It was agreed that today’s presentation by the Chief Executive and discussion with the Members should deal with matters relating to the presentation on behalf of Ryanair on 27 October, 1999, and that the Chief Executive and Chairman of Aer Rianta would attend on 18 November, 1999, to discuss all Aer Rianta’s activities and plans.

The following representatives of Aer Rianta attended the meeting;

Mr. John Burke, Chief Executive, and

Ms. Margaret Sweeney, Deputy Chief Executive.

Mr. Burke made an oral presentation to the Members which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.00 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, 9 November, 1999.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

18 November 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Tuesday, 9 November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.45 p.m. in Room G24, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Liam Lawlor, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators John Cregan and Liam Fitzgerald.

3.Private Session

4.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.40 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, 18 November, 1999.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

18 November 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 18 November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.00 p.m. and in private session from 2.04 p.m. to 2.10 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Liam Aylward), Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, G.V. Wright (in substitution for Liam Lawlor) and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, John Cregan Liam Fitzgerald and Fergus O’Dowd.

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Liam Aylward.

3.Minutes

The Minutes of meetings of 27 October, 1999, 3 November, 1999, and 4 November, 1999, were agreed to.

4.Meeting with Chairman and Chief Executive, Aer Rianta

The following representatives of Aer Rianta attended the meeting to discuss past and current activities and future plans:-

Mr. Noel Hanlon, Chairman,

Mr. John Burke, Chief Executive,

Ms. Margaret Sweeney, Deputy Chief Executive,

Mr. Brian Hampson,

Mr. Ray Gray, and

Mr. James Menton.

Mr. Hanlon and Mr. Menton made oral presentations to the Members and these were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Private Session

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.10 p.m. until 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, 25 November, 1999.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

2 December 1999

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 25 November, 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in public session at 2.03 p.m. and in private session from 2.04 p.m. to 2.08 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Seán Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Currie, Brian O’Shea (in substitution for Emmet Stagg), Michael Ring (in substitution for Jim Mitchell), Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, John Cregan, Liam Fitzgerald and Shane Ross.

3.Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of 9 November, 1999, were agreed to.

4.Meeting with Representative of Eircom to discuss the recent breakdown in the Telecommunications Network

The following representatives of Eircom attended the meeting:-

Mr. Gerry O’Sullivan, Group Corporate Relations Director and

Mr. David Fox, Director of I.T.

Mr. O’Sullivan made oral presentation which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Meeting with Chief Executive, An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union to discuss the Post Office Network

The following representatives of An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union attended the meeting:-

An Post

Mr. John Hynes, Chief Executive Officer,

Mr. Terry Reynolds, Director of New Business and E - Commerce.

Mr. Eamon Ryan, Director of Post Offices,

Mr. Tony Waters,

Mr. John Daly,

Mr. John Foley, Public Relations Manager.

Irish Postmasters’ Union

Ms. Vera Hogan, General Secretary,

Mr. Brendan Moriarty, President,

Mr. Bernard Bradley, Executive Committee Member,

Mr. Sean Maher.

6.Private Session

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.55 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

January 2000

APPENDIX 8

Oireachtas Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Work Programme 2000

A JOINT COMMITTEE

Issues for consideration:

1.Sectors

(a)Inland Transport

Follow up on recommendations in Joint Committee’s Report on Public Transport

(b)Aviation

–Air Safety

–Airspace Management

–International Services

–Regional Services

–Aer Lingus Group

–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

–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.ESB role in water levels in Shannon Region.

5.The Grand Bargain, Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing and International Security.

6.Such other matters as the Committee may decide

7.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.

* Senator John Cregan appointed in substitution for Senator Des Hanafin on 13/07/99