Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2002 > Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport, 1999-2000

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón

gComhchoiste um Fhiontair Phoiblí agus Iompar 1999/2000

agus

Clár Oibre 2001

ANNUAL REPORT

of the

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

1999/2000

and

Work Programme for 2001

TITHE AN OIREACHTAIS

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL

ón

gComhchoiste um Fhiontair Phoiblí agus Iompar

agus

Obair 2001

ANNUAL REPORT

of the

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

1999/2000

and

Work Programme 2001

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 65, 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 22 February 2001, the Committee agreed that all these items be included in its annual report. The report covers the period from 2 December 1999 to 5 December 2000.

2. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 13 November 1997 and Order of Seanad Éireann of 19 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 28 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.

Further powers were accorded to the Joint Committee, by a resolution of Dáil Éireann of 2 July 1999 to amend Standing Order 78A of Dáil Standing Orders, enabling the Committee to consider and report to Dáil Éireann on such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Dáil Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee. A corresponding provision was made by way of amendment to Standing Order 65 of Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann on 30 June 1999.

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.

Deputy Billy Timmins was appointed to the Joint Committee on 7 March 2000 to replace Deputy Jim Mitchell. Deputies Richard Bruton, Donal Carey, Jim Higgins and Olivia Mitchell were appointed to the Joint Committee on 29 June 2000 to replace Deputies Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Billy Timmins and Ivan Yates.

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

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Kildare House, Leinster House 2000 and in the Dáil 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 RTÉ.

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 met on 21 occasions in the period under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in the region of 44 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 3 occasions in the period under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 6 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out at Appendix 4.

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

Records of attendance by Members 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 21 occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

•Public transport issues

•Telecommunications

•Postal services

•Nuclear hazards

•Rail safety and rail services

•Energy use/renewable energy

•Radio licencing

•Flooding on the River Shannon

•Aviation - sectoral objectives

•Aviation - loss of St. Phelim

•Communications - sectoral objectives

•Bord na Móna - review and future plans

•Overrun on Iarnród Éireann mini-CTC signalling project.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the three occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

•1999 Supplementary Estimate: Vote 32 - Public Enterprise

•2000 Revised Estimates for Public Services: Vote 32 - Public Enterprise

•Gas (Amendment) Bill, 2000.

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 Enterprise, Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, and the Office of Public Works.

•5 State Sponsored Bodies (ESB, Aer Lingus, An Post, CIÉ, Bord na Móna)

•3 interest groups (IFA, ICMSA, Chambers of Commerce in Ireland)

•Director of Telecommunications Regulation

•Commissioner for Electricity Regulation

•Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd.

•Irish Wind Energy Association

•Barrow Nore Suir Development Ltd.

•Norwegian Parliamentarians.

8. Establishment of Sub-Committees

The Joint Committee established the following two Sub-Committees in the period under review:-

(a)Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority

This Sub-Committee was established on 4 May 2000 to consider issues relating to the management of the River Shannon. It decided initially to undertake research on the problem of flooding and considered this so serious that it issued an interim report on the matter on 15 November 2000 recommending, inter alia, that specific provision be made in the budget for flood relief measures. The Sub-Committee is continuing its work and is preparing a report on a proposed River Shannon authority. Appendix 7 sets out the Sub-Committees terms of reference, members and organisations it has met to date.

(b)Sub-Committee on Iarnród Éireann Mini-CTC Signalling Project

Following a request from the Minister for Public Enterprise and from Deputies Jim Higgins and Emmet Stagg that the Joint Committee examine the circumstances surrounding the planning and execution of the contract for the mini-CTC signalling system project in Iarnród Éireann, the Joint Committee met with the Secretary General and an Assistant Secretary from the Department of Public Enterprise and with representatives of CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann. Because of the complexity of the issues involved, the number of potential witnesses and the volume of documentary evidence, it was decided to establish a Sub-Committee to examine the matter further. This examination is ongoing. The terms of reference and membership of the Sub-Committee is set out at Appendix 8.

9. Joint Committee Reports

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

•Meeting with International Risk Management Services, Iarnród Éireann, Minister for Public Enterprise and her Departmental officials on rail safety;

•Meeting with An Post and Irish Postmasters’ Union on the Post Office Network;

•Interim Report on Flooding on the River Shannon.

10. Work Programme 2001

A copy of the Joint Committees work programme for 2001 is at Appendix 10.

11. Travel

Deputy Sargent and Senator O’Dowd attended the 3rd Irish and UK Local Authorities Conference on Nuclear Hazards in Newcastle, County Down, from 13-14 April with a view to gathering information for a proposed report on nuclear fuel reprocessing and international security.

During the period 18-20 July, the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority travelled to Limerick, Athlone and Carrick-on-Shannon and met with a large number of organisations and individuals to ascertain at first hand the problems associated with flooding in the River Shannon region.

12. Review of Procedures and Role

The Joint Committee is satisfied with its present procedures and role following the modification of its Orders of Reference in 1998 and 1999.

____________________________

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman of the Joint Committee

26 March 2002

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann

13 November 1997 (*28 April 1998) (** 2 July 2000)

(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, and

(iii)such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Dáil Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Seanad or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee; **

(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 considerB

(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 (contd.)

Seanad Éireann

19 November 1997 (*30 April 1998) (**30 June 1999)

(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)such proposals for EU legislation as may be referred to it from time to time by any Committee established by Seanad Éireann (whether acting jointly with the Dáil or otherwise) to consider such proposals and upon which has been conferred the power to refer such proposals to another Select Committee; **

(iv)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,

(v)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

(as at 31 December 2000)

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

(1)Senator John Cregan appointed in substitution for Senator Des Hanafin on 13/07/1999.

(2)Deputy Billy Timmins appointed in substitution for Deputy Jim Mitchell on 07/03/2000.

APPENDIX 5 (contd.)

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (contd.)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

(1)Senator John Cregan was appointed in substitution for Senator Des Hanafin on 13/07/00

(2)Deputy Billy Timmins was appointed in substitution for Deputy Jim Mitchell on 07/03/2000

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Billy Timmins & Ivan Yates on 29/06/2000

APPENDIX 5 (contd.)

Attendance at Meetings of the Joint Committee (contd.)

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

(1)Senator John Cregan was appointed in substitution for Senator Des Hanafin on 13/07/00

(2)Deputy Billy Timmins was appointed in substitution for Deputy Jim Mitchell on 07/03/2000

(3)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Billy Timmins & Ivan Yates on 29/06/2000

APPENDIX 6

Attendance at Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

(1)Deputy Billy Timmins was appointed in substitution for Deputy Jim Mitchell on 07/03/2000;

(2)Appointed in substitution for Deputies Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Billy Timmins & Ivan Yates on 29/06/2000.

APPENDIX 7

SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE RIVER SHANNON AUTHORITY

(a) List of Members

(b) Revised Order Establishing Sub-Committee

Ordered on 4 May 2000:-

1.“That-

(a)a Sub-Committee (to be called the Sub-Committee on River Shannon Authority) be established to consider issues relating to the Management of the River Shannon and report to the Joint Committee thereon;

(b)the Sub-Committee shall consist of 6 Members of whom 5 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 1 shall be Members of Seanad Éireann;

(c)the quorum of the Sub-Committee shall be three, of whom at least 1 shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of Seanad Éireann;

(d)in relation to the matter specifically referred to it in paragraph (a) above, the Sub-Committee shall have only those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) (Dáil) and in sub-paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference¹; and

(e)the Sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the main Committee, namely, those contained in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad)²: provided that the powers to print and publish evidence, to travel and to engage consultants shall, in each case, be subject to the approval of the Joint Committee.”.

APPENDIX 7 (contd.)

(c) Attendance at Meetings of the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority

* Indicates Member was represented by a substitute

(1)Deputy Paul Connaughton was appointed as a substitute for Deputy Donal Carey for the duration of the Sub-Committee;

(2)Deputy Willie Penrose was appointed as a substitute for Deputy Emmet Stagg for the duration of the Sub-Committee.

APPENDIX 8

SUB-COMMITTEE ON THE MINI-CTC SIGNALLING PROJECT

(a) List of Members:

(b) Order Establishing Sub-Committee

Joint Committee Ordered on 16 November 2000:-

1.“That-

(a)a sub-Committee (to be called Sub-Committee on the Mini CTC Signalling Project) be established to consider the Mini CTC Signalling Project in Iarnród Éireann and report to the Joint Committee thereon;

(b)the sub-Committee shall consist of 8 Members of whom 7 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 1 shall be a Member of Seanad Éireann;

(c)the quorum of the sub-Committee shall be three;

(d)in relation to the matter specifically referred to it in paragraph (a) above, the sub-Committee shall have only those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) (Dáil) and in sub-paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference¹; and

(e)the sub-Committee shall have the powers of the main Committee as contained in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad)²”.

APPENDIX 8 (contd.)

Sub-Committee on the Mini-CTC Signalling Project (contd.)

(c) Attendance at Meetings

APPENDIX 9

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 2 December 1999

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.04 p.m. and in Private Session from 2.05 p.m. to 2.09 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Brendan Daly (Vice-Chairman in the Chair), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Noel O’Flynn and Ivan Yates.

Senators: Peter Callanan and Liam Fitzgerald.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman) and Emmet Stagg.

3.Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of 18 November, 1999, were agreed to.

4.Presentation by the Center for Independent Living

The following representatives of the Center for Independent Living attended the meeting:-

Ms. Florence Dougall, Chairperson,

Ms. Audrey Brodigan,

Mr. Gerry McKeever, and

Mr. Donal Toolan.

Mr. Toolan made a presentation to the Members followed by contributions from Ms. Brodigan, Mr. McKeever and Ms. Dougall. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

In Private Session

5.Correspondence

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.41 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

13 January 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 13 January 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 1.10 p.m. and in Private Session from 1.12 p.m. to 1.20 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche and Ivan Yates.

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

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Austin Curry and Emmet Stagg.

3.Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of 2 December 1999 were agreed to.

4.Presentation by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland

The following representatives of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland attended the meeting:-

Mr. Tom Kehoe, Chairperson, Transport Working Group;

Mr. Simon Nugent, Chief Executive;

Mr. Malcolm Byrne, Research Officer; and

Mr. Ciaran Conlan, Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Kehoe and Mr. Nugent made presentations to the Members. This was followed by a question and answer session. It was also agreed that the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland would send a submission to the Joint Committee on E-Commerce.

5.Correspondence

(i)Letter from Deputy Austin Deasy, Re: train service to Waterford.

It was agreed that Mr. Michael McDonnell, Chairman, Iarnród Éireann be asked by the Committee to make a prompt and comprehensive reply to this letter, that a copy of the letter to Mr. McDonnell be sent to the Chairman of CIÉ and that Deputy Deasy be sent a copy of both letters.

(ii)Letters concerning licence for United Christian Broadcasters Ltd.

It was agreed that a letter should issue to the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Heritage and the Irish Language stating this Committee=s support for a licence for UCB and asking the Committee to raise the matter at a meeting with the Independent Radio and Television Commission. It was also agreed to send a copy of our letter UCB.

In Private Session

6. (i)Proposed Joint Meeting with the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on flooding in the Shannon region

(ii)Proposed visit by Norwegian delegation from a Parliamentary Committee

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.40 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

27 January 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 20 January 2000

1.The Joint Committee held a joint meeting with the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and both Committees met in Public Session at 2.33 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

The following members of the Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport attended:-

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Brendan Daly, John Ellis (in substitution for Liam Lawlor), Paul McGrath (in substitution for Ivan Yates), Denis Naughten (in substitution for Simon Coveney), Noel O’Flynn and Trevor Sargent.

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

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Simon Coveney, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

3.River Shannon Flooding

The following representatives of OPW, ESB, IFA, ICMSA and the Department of Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands attended the meeting:-

OPW

Mr. Brian (Barry) Murphy, Chairman;

Mr. Tony Smyth, Director, Engineering Services;

Mr. Brian D’Arcy, Assistant Chief Engineer; and

Mr. Thomas Costello, Principal, Engineering Services.

ESB

Mr. Ken O’Hara, Chief Executive;

Mr. Paddy Stapleton, Generation Manager, Hydro;

Mr. Bob Cullen, Manager, Ardnacrusha & Lee Generating Stations;

Mr. Jack O’Keeffe, Chief Civil Engineer, Hydro Stations; and

Mr. Larry Donald, Company Secretary.

IFA

Mr. Paddy Halligan, Mr. Adrian Leddy, Mr. Gerry Gunning, Mr. Louis Martin and

Mr. Fintan Nally.

ICMSA

Mr. Pat O’Rourke, President

Mr. Liam Heverin, Chairman Beef and Cattle Committee

Mr. Ciaran Dolan

Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands

Mr. Séan O Cófaigh, Assistant Secretary

Mr. John Martin, Director Waterway Services

Mr. Ray Dunne, Senior Engineer, Shannon Navigation

Mr. Redmond Aherne, Assistant Director, Waterway Services

Dr. Allen Craig, Senior Inspector, National Park & Wildlife Service

Each public body made a presentation to the Members on

-its role and operations

-its interaction with other bodies

in relation to the River Shannon.

The farming organisations made presentations setting out their solutions to the flooding problem in the area. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members of the two Joint Committees. It was agreed the relevant Ministers could be invited to attend a future joint meeting of the two Committees on this issue.

7.Adjournment

The joint meeting of the two Joint Committees adjourned at 5.03. p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

24 February 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 27 January 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 2.00 p.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

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

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 13 January 2000 were agreed to.

4.Annual Report 1998/1999 and Work Programme 2000

The draft Annual Report 1998/1999 and Work Programme 2000 was brought forward and agreed to.

In Private Session

5.(a) Future of Aer Rianta;

(b)River Shannon Flooding; and

(c)Proposed Research on Dublin Transport.

6.Adjournment

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

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

24 February 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Tuesday, 8 February 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Private Session at 6.45 p.m. in Leinster House, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

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

An apology for inability to attend was received from Deputy Trevor Sargent.

In Private Session

3.Presentation by Eircell Representatives

4.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 8 p.m. until 11.30 p.m. on Thursday, 10 February 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

24 February 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 10 February 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.35 a.m. in Room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

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

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

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

3.Meeting with Members of the Standing Committee on Energy and the Environment of the Norwegian Parliament

The Joint Committee met the Members of the Standing Committee of the Norwegian Parliament and discussed a number of issues including electricity in general, the use of natural gas, gas and peat generating stations, alternative/renewable energy and energy efficiency.

4.Sub Committee to consider River Shannon Authority

The Committee agreed to set up a Sub-Committee to consider the setting up of a River Shannon Authority consisting of Deputies Brendan Daly, Sean Doherty, Phil Hogan, Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg and Senator John Cregan on the understanding that Deputy Paul Connaughton would substitute for Deputy Phil Hogan and Deputy Willie Penrose would substitute for Deputy Emmet Stagg on the Sub-Committee.

An order setting out the purpose, number, quorum, functions and powers of the Sub-Committee was also agreed.

5.Draft Schedule of Meeting to July 2000

The draft schedule of meetings to July 2000 was agreed to on the basis set out in the schedule.

6.Business deferred

It was agreed to defer consideration of correspondence on the agenda to the next meeting.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 12.40. p.m. until 11.30 p.m. on Thursday, 24 February 2000 at 2 p.m..

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

24 February 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 24 February 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.03 p.m. and went into Private Session from 2.03 p.m. to 2.08 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Liam Aylward, Sean Ardagh (in substitution for Liam Lawlor), Martin Brady, Mattie Brennan (in substitution for Brendan Daly, Austin Curry, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan, John Cregan and Liam Fitzgerald.

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Brendan Daly (Vice Chairman) and Sean Doherty (Chairman).

3.Appointment of Temporary Chairman

Deputy Martin Brady, proposed by Deputy Ivan Yates, was appointed temporary Chairman for the meeting.

4.Statement of Strategy of Department of Public Enterprise

The following representatives of the Department of Public Enterprise attended the meeting to discuss the Department’s Strategy Statement:-

Mr. Brendan Tuohy, Secretary General, Mr. Andrew Cullen, Assistant Secretary,

Ms. Patricia Kelly, Higher Executive Officer.

The Secretary General made a presentation to the Members setting out the mission statement, objectives, Department’s programmes, forces driving change, agencies under the Department and aviation, inland transport, energy and communications sectoral objectives. A questions and answer session took place after sectoral objectives for each area were presented.

5.Minutes

The minutes of meetings of 27 January 2000, 8 February 2000 and 10 February 2000 were agreed to.

In Private Session

6.(i)Draft report on fact finding visit to San Francisco

(ii)Correspondence.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.58 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, 9 March 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

9 March 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 9 March 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2 p.m. and in Private Session from 2.02 p.m. to 2.04 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, John Browne (in substitution for Dick Roche), Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Liam Lawlor, Noel O’Flynn, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg, Billy Timmins and Ivan Yates.

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

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Dick Roche and Phil Hogan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 24 February 2000 were agreed to.

4.Approval of Research Advertisement

The draft advertisement seeking tenders for research work on the optimum structure to manage transport and models of bus competition was agreed to as amended.

5.Report on Meeting with An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union

The draft report on the Committee’s meeting with An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union was agreed to subject to minor amendments Members wish to make to their own contributions being submitted by 22 March 2000 and a final check of the report by the Clerk..

6.Correspondence

(a)Letters from the Chairman of the Irish Wind Energy Association and Deputy Aylward requesting meetings with the Committee.

It was agreed that the Committee would meet both the Irish Wind Energy Association and Camphill Community BEOFS project group on the same day with the date to be fixed by the Chairman.

(b)Letters from Deputies Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates on articles on CIÉ in Sunday Independent of 27 February 2000.

It was agreed that Deputies Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates would meet with the Chairman and the Clerk to agree a method of dealing with this matter within the existing remit of the Joint Committee.

(c)Letter from Minister for Public Enterprise requesting a meeting on Rail Safety

It was agreed that the Committee set aside a full day, 23 March 2000, to consider the Rail Safety report, that Iarnród Éireann, IRMS and the Minister be invited to that meeting and that the Committee be informed as to what has been done, is being done and will be done since the last meeting on rail safety in February 1999. It was also agreed that the Committee be informed of the latest position on the proposed Railway Safety Advisory Council.

7.Presentation by Group Chief Executive, CIÉ Group.

The following representatives of the CIÉ Group attended the meeting:-

Mr. Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive, CIÉ,

Mr. Michael Reidy, Programmes and Projects Manager,

Mr. Jim Cullen, Chief Financial Officer,

Mr. Bill Lilly, Managing Director, Bus Éireann,

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

Mr. Joe Meagher, Managing Director, Iarnród Éireann.

Mr. McDonnell made an opening presentation to the Members which was followed by a question and answer session.

In Private Session

8.Letter from Deputy Sargent on Nuclear Hazards Conference in Newcastle, County Down, on 13-14 April 2000

9.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 5 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

23 March 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 6 April 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.02 p.m. and in Private Session from 2.04 p.m. to 2.12 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Phil Hogan, Noel O’Flynn, Brian O’Shea (in substitution for Emmet Stagg), Dick Roche, Billy Timmins and Ivan Yates.

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 9 March 2000 were agreed to.

4.Meeting with 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, Mr. Keith Bernard, Mr. Michael Griffin,

Mr. Jim Connolly.

Ms. Doyle made an opening presentation which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members of the Joint Committee.

In Private Session

5.(a)Correspondence

(b)Consideration of research tenders on structures to manage transport and a model for Dublin bus services.

(c)Proposed meeting on rail safety

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.35 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

4 May 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 4 May 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 10.04 a.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The meeting was suspended from 10.15 a.m. - 10.17 a.m., 11.44 a.m. - 11.55 a.m. and from 1.34 p.m. to 2.05 p.m.

2.Attendance

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

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

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Deputies Martin Brady, Simon Coveney and Billy Timmins.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 6 April 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence

(i)It was agreed that Aer Rianta be written to for suitable material for a reply to a letter from Deputy Sargent on the issue of a new runway at Dublin Airport and that Portmarnock Community Association be told that the Committee met with Aer Rianta in November 1999 and had no plans to meet with them again at this time.

(ii)It was agreed to defer consideration of letters from Deputy Stagg and Deputy Lawlor as they were not present when the matters were raised.

(iii)It was agreed that the National Taxi Drivers’ Union be told that the Committee published a report on Public Transport in 1999, did not propose to hold further oral hearings on the matter but would welcome a written submission.

(iv)It was agreed that an acknowledgement was sufficient for the letter from the Cork Railway Restoration Society.

5.Next Meeting

It was agreed that Aer Lingus be requested to attend the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Thursday, 18 May 2000, to discuss past and current activities and future plans.

6.Management of River Shannon

The Order, at appendix 1, relating to the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority was agreed to. This order replaces the order agreed on 10 February 2000. It was also agreed that consideration of matters relating to the management of the Shannon River would also cover its tributaries.

7.Meeting on Rail Safety

The representatives indicated at appendix II attended the meeting. Brief opening comments in each case were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 3.04 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, 18 May 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

18 May 2000

Appendix I

Joint Committee on Public Enterprise and Transport

Revised Order Establishing Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority

Ordered on 2 May 2000:-

1.“That-

(a)a Sub-Committee (to be called the sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority) be established to consider issues relating to the management of the River Shannon and report to the Joint Committee thereon;

(b)the Sub-Committee shall consist of 6 Members of whom 4 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 1 shall be a Member of Seanad Éireann;

(c)the quorum of the Sub-Committee shall be three, of whom at least 1 shall be a Member of Dáil Éireann and 1 a Member of Seanad Éireann;

(d)in relation to the matter specifically referred to it in paragraph (a) above, the Sub-Committee shall have only those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) (Dáil) and in sub-paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference¹; and

(e)the Sub-Committee shall have all the powers of the main Committee, namely, those contained in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad)²: provided that the powers to print and publish evidence, to travel and to engage consultants shall, in each case, be subject to the approval of the Joint Committee.”.

Appendix II

Schedule for 4 May 2000

Meeting on Rail Safety

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 25 May 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.30 p.m. and in Private Session from 2.35 to 2.40 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

2.Attendance

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Austin Curry, Brendan Daly, Phil Hogan, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent, Emmet Stagg and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and Liam Fitzgerald.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 4 May 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence

It was agreed that the matters referred to in a letter from Deputy Gay Mitchell, concerning high cost of flying to and from Ireland, would be raised with Aer Lingus representatives at today’s meeting.

5.Next Meeting

It was agreed that An Post be requested to attend the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Thursday, 15 June 2000, to discuss past and current activities and future plans.

6.Meeting with Aer Lingus

The following representatives of Aer Lingus attended the meeting:

-Mr. Bernie Cahill, Chairman

-Mr. Larry Stanley, Acting Group Chief Executive

-Mr. John O’Donovan, Group Finance Director

-Mr. Don Loughrey, Group Corporate Affairs Director

Mr. Cahill and Mr. Stanley made opening presentations and these were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

In Private Session

7. (a)Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority.

(b)Appointment of Consultant for reports on “Structures to Manage Transport” and Aa Suitable Model for Dublin Bus Services”.

8.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.05 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, 15 June 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

15 June 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 15 June 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 1.04 p.m. and in Private Session from 1.05 p.m. to 1.10 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

2.Attendance

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Simon Coveney, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche and Ivan Yates.

Senators Peter Callanan and John Cregan.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 25 May 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence

(a)Letter from IBIS Transport Consultants

It was agreed that IBIS be informed that tenders were assessed on the basis of the criteria stated and that it was the policy of the Committee to only inform participants that they were successful or unsuccessful.

(b)Letter from the Irish Wheelchair Association

It was agreed that the Irish Wheelchair Association be informed that the contents of their submission had been noted and that they be sent a copy of the Committee’s Report on Transport issues and attention be drawn to the inclusion on accessibility issues in the Report.

(c)Letter from Mr. Brendan Ogle, Irish Locomotive Drivers Association

It was agreed that the transcript of evidence of the meeting on 4 May 2000 on rail safety would be printed and published together with the various submissions received for that meeting.

5.Meeting with An Post

The following representatives of An Post attended the meeting:

Mr. Stephen O’Connor - Chairman

Mr. John Hynes - Chief Executive

Mr. Eamonn Ryan - Director of Post Offices

Mr. John O’Hehir - Group Director Human Resources

Mr. Ken Robinson - National Operations Director Letter Post

Mr. Peter Sweeney - Director of SDS

Mr. Ciaran McGivern - Group Financial Controller

Mr. John Foley - Public Relations Manager

Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Hynes made opening statements to the Members and these were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

In Private Session

6.Issues in relation to the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.32 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

11 July 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Tuesday, 11 July 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12.05 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. The meeting was suspended at 1.03 p.m. and resumed at 1.07 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Brendan Daly (in the Chair), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Donal Carey, John Ellis (in substitution for Dick Roche), Jim Higgins and Trevor Sargent.

Senators: Peter Callanan and John Cregan.

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 15 June 2000 were agreed to.

4.Recent report on the loss of the St. Phelim

The following representatives of the Department of Public Enterprise attended the meeting:-

Mrs. Mary O’Rourke T.D., Minister for Public Enterprise, Mr. John Lumsden, Assistant Secretary, Mr. Kevin Humphreys, Chief Aeronautical Officer.

The Minister made an opening presentation on the Report on the “Review of Irish and UK files on the loss of the Aer Lingus Viscount, St. Phelim, Registration EI-AOM on 24 March 1968”. This was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

5.Bord na Móna

The following representatives of Bord Na Móna attended the meeting:-

Mr. Patrick J. Dineen, Chairman, Mr. Paddy Hughes, Managing Director, Mr. John Hourican, Director of Finance and Corporate Development and Mr. Donal Clarke, Secretary and Head of Corporate Affairs.

Mr. Dineen and Mr. Hughes made opening presentations to the Members on past and current activities and future plans. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.05 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

7 September 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Tuesday, 25 July 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12.02 p.m. in Room G2 Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2, and in private session from 12.03 to 1.06 p.m. and from 3.23 p.m. to 4.02 p.m.. The meeting was suspended at 2.06 p.m. and resumed at 2.08 p.m. and at 3.16 p.m. and resumed at 3.23 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Donal Carey, John Ellis (in substitution for Dick Roche), Denis Foley (in substitution for Liam Lawlor), Jim Higgins, Conor Lenihan (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Olivia Mitchell, John Moloney (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg.

Senators: Peter Callanan, Willie Farrell (in substitution for Liam Fitzgerald), Rory Kiely (in substitution for John Cregan) and Fergus O’Dowd.

Deputy Joe Higgins and Senator Paul Coughlan also attended the meeting.

In Private Session (12.03 p.m. - 1.06 p.m.)

3. (i)Sub-Committee on River Shannon Authority - appointment of consultant;

(ii)First Interim Reports on Structures to manage Transport and a Model for Dublin Bus Services;

(iii)Correspondence.

In Public Session

4.Current situation in relation to the provision of the Rail Service.

The following representatives of the Department of Public Enterprise attended the meeting:-

Mr. Brendan Touhy, Secretary General,

Mr. Pat Mangan, Assistant Secretary.

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

The following Representatives of Iarnród Éireann attended the meeting:-

Mr. Joe Meagher, Managing Director,

Mr. John Keenan, Manager, Human Resources,

Mr. Ted Corcoran, Manager, Safety.

Mr. Meagher made an opening presentation which was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

In Private Session (3.23 p.m. to 4.02 p.m.)

5.Discussion in relation to adjournment of business.

6.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.02 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

7 September 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of Joint Committee

Thursday, 7 September 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 12.05 p.m. in the Dáil Chamber, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

2.Attendance

Deputies Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Richard Bruton, John Ellis (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Jim Higgins, Olivia Mitchell, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg.

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

Deputy Dinny McGinley and Senator Denis O’Donovan also attended the meeting.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 11 July 2000 and 25 July 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence.

(i)Letter and enclosure from Deputy Liam Aylward

It was agreed that Barrow Nore Suir Rural Development Ltd. be invited before the Joint Committee to make a presentation relating to the facilitation of a pilot ‘Demand Responsive Transport’ system for the rural areas of the Barrow, Nore, Suir Region on Thursday, 21 September 2000.

(ii)Letter from Chief Executive ESB

It was agreed that the Chief Executive of the ESB be invited to appear before the Joint Committee on Thursday, 21 September 2000, to make a presentation outlining the direction being pursued by the ESB in the changing electricity industry.

(iii)Letter and enclosure from Cork Anti Pylon Representative Association

It was agreed that Members who wished to could raise the matter with the ESB at the meeting on 21 September 2000.

(iv)Letter from Deputy Dick Roche concerning the role played by Telecom Senior Executives in the original share launch.

It was agreed that the Secretary General of the Department of Public Enterprise and the Secretary General of the Department of Finance be invited to appear before the Joint, on a date to be arranged, to consider specifically the role played by Eircom Senior Executives in the launch of the Company and the quite extraordinary remuneration package which seems to have been put together for those executives and the lessons, if any, to be learned from this share launch.

5.Meeting with Representatives of Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd.

The following representatives of Meteor attended the meeting:

Mr. Johnny McMahon, Site Development Manager.

Ms. Karen Flynn, Director of Customer Marketing.

Mr. Oliver Mulligan, RF Manager.

Ms. Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications.

Mr. McMahon made an opening presentation to the members and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

6.Meeting with Representatives of the Irish Wind Energy Association.

The following representatives of the Irish Wind Energy Association attended the meeting.

Ms. Inge Buckley, Chairperson

Mr. Martin Hally, Council Member

Mr. John Gillespie, Council Member

Mr. Aiden Forde, Council Member

Mr. Hally made an opening presentation to the Members and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 2.20 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, 21 September 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.

Chairman

5 October 2000

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committeee

Thursday, 5 October 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Private session at 2.05 p.m.in room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and in Public Session at 2.10 p.m. The meeting was chaired until 2.58 p.m. by the Chairman, Deputy Seán Doherty and thereafter by the Vice-Chairman, Deputy Brendan Daly.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Richard Bruton, Donal Carey, Brendan Daly, Davis Staunton (in substitution for Jim Higgins).

Senators: Peter Callanan, Liam Fitzgerald, Camillus Glynn (in substitution for John Cregan) and Fergus O’Dowd.

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 7 September 2000 were agreed to.

In Private Session

4.Correspondence

In Public Session

5.Meeting with Representatives of the Electricity Supply Board

The following representatives of the ESB attended the meeting:

Mr. Ken O’Hara, Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Tony Donnolly, Group Financial Director, Mr. Ted Dalton, Managing Director, Irish Electricity and Mr. Larry Donald, Secretary.

Mr Ken O’Hara made an opening presentation to the Members and this was followed by a question and answer session with Members.

6.Meeting with Representatives of Barrow Nore Suir Development Ltd.

The following representatives of Barrow Nore Suir Development Ltd. attended the meeting:

Mr. Tommy Cooke, Chairman, Mr. Declan Rice, Community Development Officer and Mr. Daragh Murphy, Manager.

Mr. Rice made an opening presentation to the Members and this was followed by a question and answer session with members.

7.Adjournment

The Joint Committee adjourned at 4.30 p.m. until 2.30 pm on 19 October 2000.

Seán Doherty,T.D.,

Chairman

26 October 2000.

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 26 October 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 3.04 p.m. in room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and went into Private Session from 3.05 p.m. to 3.22 p.m. and 5.09 p.m. to 5.33 p.m.

Mr. Martin Brady T.D. took the chair from 4.46 p.m. to 4.50 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty(Chairman), Martin Brady, Richard Bruton, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Jim Higgins, Olivia Mitchell, Dick Roche and Emmet Stagg

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 5 October 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence

(a)Letter from Deputy Jim Higgins.

Deputy Higgins requested that his letter dated 15 September 2000 in relation to recent road blockades arising from the fuel crisis be withdrawn. This was agreed to.

(b)Letter from the Irish Association of International Express Carriers (IAIEC).

A letter dated 6 October 2000 from the above association expressing its willingness to meet with the Committee was noted.

In Private Session

(c)Correspondence regarding the Iarnród Éireann Mini-CTC Signalling System.

In Public Session

5.Consideration of the Iarnród Éireann Mini-CTC Signalling System

Mr. Brendan Tuohy, Secretary General, Department of Public Enterprise attended. He was accompanied by Mr. John Fearon, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Dermot McCarthy. Mr. Tuohy made an opening statement to the Committee and this was followed by a question and answer session with the Members. On adjournment it was indicated that a further meeting may be required with him.

In Private Session

6.Discussion on issues relating to the Mini-CTC Signalling Contract

7.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 5.33 p.m. until 11.30 a.m. on 2 November 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.,

Chairman

7 November 2000.

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 2 November 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 11.37 a.m. in room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and went into Private Session from 11.38 a.m. to 12.47 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Martin Brady, Matt Brennan (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Richard Bruton, Donal Carey, Austin Currie, Denis Foley (in substitution for Liam Lawlor), Jim Higgins, Dick Roche and Emmet Stagg

Senators: Liam Fitzgerald, Dermot Fitzpatrick (in substitution for Peter Callanan), Rory Kiely (in substituting for John Cregan), Fergus O’Dowd and Shane Ross.

In Private Session

3.Discussion on Iarnród Éireann Mini CTC Signalling Project.

4.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 12.47 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on 7 November 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.,

Chairman

7 November 2000.

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Tuesday, 7 November 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.37 p.m. in room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and went into Private Session from 2.40 p.m. to 3.08 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Richard Bruton, Austin Currie, Jim Higgins, Michael P. Kitt (in substitution for Brendan Daly), Liam Lawlor, Olivia Mitchell, Noel O’Flynn, Dick Roche, Trevor Sargent and Emmet Stagg

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

In Public Session

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 26 October and 2 November 2000 were agreed to.

4.Draft Final Report on Dublin Bus Services

The draft final report on a Suitable Model for Dublin Bus Services drawn up by consultant, Mr. Peter Bacon, was circulated. It was agreed to meet with Mr. Bacon as soon as possible to discuss the report.

5.Letter from Department of Public Enterprise

The Committee agreed to the request of the Department of Public Enterprise in a letter dated 13 October 2000 for copies of the terms of reference of the two consultancies commissioned on “A Suitable Model for Dublin Bus Services” and “Structures to Manage Transport”.

6.Future Meetings

The Chairman indicated that the schedule of future meetings had fallen somewhat behind and needed to be reviewed. The Committee agreed that these could be rescheduled by the Chairman in consultation with the Clerk.

In Private Session

7.Consideration of Iarnród Éireann Mini CTC Signalling Project.

In Public Session

8.Further Consideration of Iarnród Éireann Mini CTC Signalling Project

Mr. Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive, CIÉ, and Chairman, Iarnród Éireann, made a brief oening statement followed by a detailed statement by Mr. Joe Meagher, Managing Director, Iarnród Éireann, on the Mini CTC Signalling Contract. A question and answer session with Members followed during which there were contributions from Mr. Jim Cullen, Group Chief Financial Officer, CIÉ, Mr. Gerry Dalton, Manager (Infrastructure), Iarnród Éireann and Mr. Richard O’Farrell, Finance and Administration Manager, Iarnród Éireann. Mr. Tom Finn, Manager (Strategic Planning), Iarnród Éireann was also in attendance.

9.Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6.27 p.m. sine die.

Seán Doherty, T.D.,

Chairman

16 November 2000.

APPENDIX 9 (contd.)

Proceedings of the Joint Committee

Thursday, 16 November 2000

1.The Joint Committee met in Public Session at 2.34 p.m. in room G2, Kildare House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 and went into Private Session from 2.35 p.m. to 2.38 p.m. and from 3.40 p.m. to 4.28 p.m.

2.Attendance

Deputies: Sean Doherty (Chairman), Liam Aylward, Martin Brady, Richard Bruton, Austin Currie, Brendan Daly, Jim Higgins, Michael P. Kitt (in substitution for part of meeting for Brendan Daly), Liam Lawlor, Noel O’Flynn, Willie Penrose (in substitution for Donal Carey), Dick Roche and Emmet Stagg.

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

3.Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 7 November 2000 were agreed to.

4.Correspondence

(a)It was agreed that a letter from Mr. Ewan Duffy, dated 22 October 2000, to Mr. Jim Mitchell T.D., Chairman, Committee of Public Accounts, in relation to the signalling system for the Arrow rolling stock, and which was referred to the Joint Committee, was more appropriate to Iarnród Éireann and the Department of Public Enterprise. It was agreed to acknowledge the letter and refer it on to both Iarnród Éireann and the Minister for Public Enterprise for attention.

(b)A letter from Mr. Michael McDonnell, CEO of CIÉ, in relation to the Mini-CTC Signalling System was noted as being appropriate for the Sub-Committee dealing with the issue.

5.Interim Report of the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority

The Interim Report of the Sub-Committee on the River Shannon Authority in relation to the problem of flooding was considered and agreed by the Joint Committee. It was also agreed that the report be laid before both Houses and that the Chairman write specifically to the Minister for Finance conveying to him the Joint Committee’s recommendations on the need for the provision of funding in the forthcoming budget for flood relief measures.

6.Referral of Aviation Regulation Bill, 2000, to the Select Committee

The Chairman informed Members that the Aviation Regulation Bill, 2000, had been referred for consideration to the Select Committee by the Dáil on 15 November 2000 and it would required to be scheduled into the Select Committee=s timetable as soon as possible.

7.Next meeting

It was agreed that the Joint Committee would meet on 23 November 2000 at 2.30 p.m. to consider the two reports by consultants, Peter Bacon and Associates, in relation to A Suitable Model for Dublin Bus Services and Structures to Manage Transport.

8.Meeting with Commissioner for Electricity Regulation

The following representatives attended from the Commission for Electricity Regulation:- Mr Tom Reeves, Commissioner, Ms Cathy Mannion, Head of Generation, Mr Denis Cagney, Head of Networks and Mr Eugene Coughlan, Corporate Affairs. Mr Reeves made a presentation to the Joint Committee on current activities and future plans and this was followed by a question and answer session with members.

Private Session

9.Issues in relation to Iarnród Éireann Mini-CTC Signalling Project.

10.Adjournment

The Joint Committee meeting adjourned at 4.28 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on 23 November 2000.

Seán Doherty, T.D.,

Chairman

5 December 2000

Appendix I

Order Establishing Sub-Committee on the Mini-CTC Signalling Project

Ordered on 16 November 2000:-

1.“That-

(a)a Sub-Committee (to be called Sub-Committee on the Mini CTC Signalling Project) be established to consider the Mini CTC Signalling Project in Iarnród Éireann and report to the Joint Committee thereon;

(b)the Sub-Committee shall consist of 8 Members of whom 7 shall be Members of Dáil Éireann and 1 shall be a Member of Seanad Éireann;

(c)the quorum of the Sub-Committee shall be three;

(d)in relation to the matter specifically referred to it in paragraph (a) above, the Sub-Committee shall have only those functions of the Joint Committee which are set out in sub-paragraphs (2)(a)(i) and (ii) (Dáil) and in sub-paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (ii) (Seanad) of the Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference¹; and

(e)the Sub-Committee shall have the powers of the main Committee as contained in Standing Order 78A(1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Dáil) and in Standing Order 65 (1), (2) and (4) to (9) (Seanad)²”.

APPENDIX 10

Work Programme for 2001

A JOINT COMMITTEE

The Joint Committee agreed that the following matters should be given priority in its work programme in 2001:

•ESB – General policy issues; general supply issues and power shortages/blackouts;

•Bord Gáis – General policy issues; gas supplies, Corrib gas field, interconnectors;

•Progress on the construction of Luas;

•Single ticketing system in public transport in DTO area;

•Dublin transport policy;

•Condition of the school bus fleet;

•Such other matters as the Committee may decide.

In addition, the work by the Sub-Committees in relation to (a) the proposed River Shannon Authority and (b) the examination of the Iarnród Éireann mini-CTC signalling project would continue.

B DÁIL SELECT COMMITTEE

Consideration of the following would be undertaken by the Dáil Select Committee as and when they are referred by the Dáil:

•Bills referred to the Committee by Dáil Éireann

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

# Appointed in substitution for Deputies Simon Coveney, Phil Hogan, Billy Timmins & Ivan Yates on 29/06/2000.

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

* Deputy Carey appointed in substitution for Deputy Hogan June 2000.

¹ Key to subparagraphs of Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference referred to: (i) = public affairs administered by Department; (ii) = matters of policy for which Minister is officially responsible; (iii) = strategy statements; (v) = other matters referred by the Dáil/Seanad.

² Key to paragraphs of Dáil/Seanad Standing Orders referred to: (1) = take evidence; (2) = invite submissions; (3) = establish sub-committees; (4) = draft legislative change; (5), (6) = meet Minister re policy/proposed legislation; (7) = meet principal office holders in State Bodies; (8) = consultants; (9) = travel.

¹ Key to subparagraphs of Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference referred to: (i) ‘ public affairs administered by Department; (ii) ‘ matters of policy for which Minister is officially responsible; (iii) ‘ strategy statements; (v) ‘ other matters referred by the Dáil/Seanad.

² Key to paragraphs of Dáil/Seanad Standing Orders referred to: (1) ‘ take evidence; (2) ‘ invite submissions; (3) ‘ establish sub-committees; (4) ‘ draft legislative change; (5), (6) ‘ meet Minister re policy/proposed legislation; (7) ‘ meet principal office holders in State Bodies; (8) ‘ consultants; (9) ‘ travel.

¹ Key to subparagraphs of Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference referred to: (i) = public affairs administered by Department; (ii) = matters of policy for which Minister is officially responsible; (iii) = strategy statements; (v) = other matters referred by the Dáil/Seanad.

² Key to paragraphs of Dáil/Seanad Standing Orders referred to: (1) = take evidence; (2) = invite submissions; (3) = establish sub-committees; (4) = draft legislative change; (5), (6) = meet Minister re policy/proposed legislation; (7) = meet principal office holders in State Bodies; (8)= consultants; (9) = travel.

¹ Key to subparagraphs of Joint Committee’s Orders of Reference referred to: (i) = public affairs administered by Department; (ii) = matters of policy for which Minister is officially responsible; (iii) = strategy statements; (v) = other matters referred by the Dáil/Seanad.

² Key to paragraphs of Dáil/Seanad Standing Orders referred to: (1) = take evidence; (2) = invite submissions; (3) = establish sub-committees; (4) = draft legislative change; (5), (6) = meet Minister re policy/proposed legislation; (7) = meet principal office holders in State Bodies; (8) = consultants; (9) = travel.