Committee Reports > List of Committees > Joint > 2004 > Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation > Annual Report of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Sport and Recreation, 2002-03

Tithe an Oireachtais

An Comhchoiste um Iompar

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚIL 2002/3

agus

CLÁR OIBRE 2004

Márta 2004

HOUSES OF THE OIREACHTAS

Joint Committee on Transport

ANNUAL REPORT 2002/3

and

WORK PROGRAMME 2004

March 2004

Annual Report 2002/3 and Work Programme 2004

Table of Contents

1. Content and Format of Report
2. Functions and Powers
3. Chairman, Vice Chairman, Convenors and Membership
4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording
5. Number and Duration of Meetings
6. Work of the Committee
7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee
8. Reports
9. Travel
10. Functions and Powers

APPENDIX 1 - Orders of Reference

APPENDIX 2 - Members of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 3 - Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4 - Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5 - Minutes of Proceedings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 6 - Work Programme 2004

1. Content and Format of Report

This report has been prepared pursuant to Standing Order 84 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Dáil Éireann) and Standing Order 69 (3), (4), (5) and (6) (Seanad Éireann) which provide for the Joint Committee to-

• undertake a review of its procedure and its role generally
• prepare an annual work programme
• lay minutes of its proceedings before both Houses
• make an annual report to both Houses.

At its meeting on 12^th November 2002, the Joint Committee agreed that all these items should be included in this annual report.

2. Functions and Powers

The Dáil Select Committee was established by Order of Dáil Éireann of 16 October 2002 to consider Bills, Estimates for Public Services and the terms of any international agreement involving a charge on public funds which come within the aegis of the Department of Transport.

The Dáil Select Committee under the same Order was enjoined with a Select Committee of Seanad Éireann, established by Order of Seanad Éireann of 17 October 2002, to form the Joint Committee on Transport. Among the principal functions of the Joint Committee are to consider –

• public affairs administered by the Department(s) of
• matters of policy for which the Minister for Transport is responsible
• legislative and expenditure proposals of the Department
• scrutiny of EU legislative proposals
• certain matters relating to bodies under the aegis of the Department

The Orders of Reference of the Dáil Select Committee and the Joint Committee are set out at Appendix 1.

3. Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Convenors and Membership

Deputy Eoin Ryan was elected as Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12^th November 2002. Deputy John Ellis was elected as Vice-Chairman of the Joint Committee on 12^th November 2002. The Chairman of the Joint Committee is also Chairman of the Dáil Select Committee.

Deputies Peter Power and Seamus Healy 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(a)

4. Meetings, Attendance and Recording

Meetings of the Joint and Dáil Select Committee took place in the Committee rooms in Leinster House 2000. Meetings were in public unless otherwise ordered by the Committee.

Televised coverage of public meetings of the Committee were broadcast live within the Leinster House complex and was available for subsequent public broadcasting.

An Official Report (Parliamentary Debates) of the public meetings of the Committees is published and may be purchased from the Government Publications Sales Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Official Reports may also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas website at www.irlgov.ie/oireachtas.

5. Number and Duration of Meetings

The Joint Committee met on 43 occasions in the year under report. The number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 74 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 3.

The Dáil Select Committee met on 4 occasions in the year under report and the number of hours discussion involved in these meetings was in excess of 8 hours. The date and subject matter of each meeting is set out in paragraph 7 below and at Appendix 4.

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

6. Work of the Committee

6.1 Joint Committee

On the 43 occasions the Joint Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• LUAS / Metro
• Bus Deregulation
• Road Development
• Road Safety
• Aviation matters and future of the industry
• Rail network development
• Deregulation of Taxi industry
• Dublin Port Tunnel
• Development of Shannon Region (Rail network & Airport)
• Scrutiny of EU Legislative proposals

A copy of the Joint Committee’s work programme for 2004 is at Appendix 6.

6.2 Dáil Select Committee

On the 4 occasions the Dáil Select Committee met, it dealt with the following matters:

• Supplementary Estimate 2002 Vote 32 Department of Transport
• Railway Safety Bill 2001, Committee Stage
• Railway Safety Bill 2001, Committee Stage continued
• Estimates 2003 – Vote Number 32, Department of Transport

7. Groups and Individuals attending before Committee

In the year under report, the Joint Committee met with the following organisations, groups and individuals:

• Minister for Transport Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D.
• Minister of State at Dept. of Transport Dr. James McDaid T.D.
• Officials from Dept. of Transport
• CIE
• Aer Lingus
• Aer Rianta
• Dublin Transportation Office
• National Roads Authority
• Northern Ireland Roads Service
• Ryanair
• Irish Aviation Authority
• Platform 11
• FAIR
• Bus Átha Cliath
• Bus Éireann
• Dublin Metro Group
• Railway Procurement Agency
• Interim Taxi Regulator
• Taxi Hardship Panel
• Garda Síochána Carriage Office
• National Taxi Drivers Union
• SIPTU Taxi Division
• Irish Insurance Federation
• National Safety Council
• Medical Bureau of Road Safety
• Garda Síochána Traffic Department
• Automobile Association
• National Youth Council
• Department of Health and Children
• Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
• Department of Finance
• Department of Environment and Local and Government
• Irish Exporters’ Association
• Transport Umbrella Group
• Irish Road Haulage Association
• Professor Manual Mayner Melis, Director General of Transport Infrastructure, Madrid City Council.
• Aer Rianta Worker Representatives and Worker Directors
• Western Alliance / SIGNAL
• UPROAR
• Public Private Partnership Unit, Department of Finance
• O’Reilly Consultants – Metro Cost Study
• National Transport Users’ Association
• Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in Ireland
• West-on-Track
• Shannon Rail Partnership
• Dublin Chamber of commerce
• Dublin City Centre Business Association
• Shannon Railway Company

8.

8.1 Joint Committee Reports

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

• EU Scrutiny Report No. 1
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 2
• EU Scrutiny Report No. 3

8.2 Research Work in Progress

• Report on Metro Costing Study

9. Travel

The Joint Committee undertook the following travel in accordance with its Orders of Reference in connection with its work programme.

1. Purpose of travel: Meetings with Officials of the European Commission and the Irish Permanent Representation to discuss developments in the area of transport.

   Date / Destination:

   8th & 9th April 2003 / Brussels.

   Members travelling: Deputies Eoin Ryan, Pat Breen, Jim Glennon and Senators Fergal Browne and Tom Morrissey.

   
   

2. Purpose of travel: To attend the European Transport Safety Council’s meeting on assessing risk and setting targets in transport safety programmes. This conference was aimed specifically at parliamentarians and officials who are involved in the area of road safety.

   Date / Destination:	10th June 2003 / Brussels.
   Members travelling:	Deputy Eoin Ryan.

3. Purpose of travel: To visit the Madrid Metro System.

   Date / Destination:

   15th & 16th July 2003 / Madrid.

   Members travelling: Deputies John Ellis, Róisín Shortall, Denis Naughten, Martin Brady and Peter Power.

   
   
4. Purpose of travel: A series of meetings with Transport for London, the agency within the Greater London Authority which has responsibility for transport issues, in relation to bus de-regulation, congestion charging and the Transport for London / GLA / central government interface and a meeting with Mr. Robert Devereux, Director General of the Department for Transport with responsibility for roads, local transport and the regions, and with Mr. Denis Roberts, Director of the Roads and Vehicles Directorate in relation to motorway developments

   Date / Destination:	18th & 19th November 2003 / London.
   Members travelling:	Deputies Eoin Ryan, John Ellis, Denis

Naughten, Róisín Shortall, Martin Brady and Senators Fergal Browne,




Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey.

10. Functions and Powers

The Joint Committee will continue to consider its present procedures and role.

Eoin Ryan T.D.

Chairman

9^th March 2004

APPENDIX 1
Orders of Reference

Dáil Éireann on 16 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee, which shall be called the Select Committee on Transport, consisting of 11 members of Dáil Éireann (of whom 4 shall constitute a quorum), be appointed to consider -
      
      1. such Bills the statute law in respect of which is dealt with by the Department of Transport;
      2. such Estimates for Public Services within the aegis of the Department of Transport; and
         

         iii. such proposals contained in any motion, including any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of international agreements involving a charge on public funds,

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

         
         
   2. For the purpose of its consideration of Bills and proposals under paragraphs (1)(a)(i) and (1)(a)(iii), the Select Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(1), (2) and (3).
   3. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of his or her ex officio membership of the Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 90(1), the Minister for Transport (or a Minister or Minister of State nominated in his or her stead) shall be entitled to vote.
2. 1. The Select Committee shall be joined with a Select Committee to be appointed by Seanad Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Transport to consider -
      
      1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Transport as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
      2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Transport is officially responsible as it may select;
      3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
      4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Transport and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
      5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 81(4);
      6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Transport pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
      7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before either or both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 2(a)(i) and (iii), 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 for Transport; and

         
         
      8. 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.

      
      
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 81(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.”.

Seanad Éireann on 17 October 2002 ordered:

1. 1. That a Select Committee consisting of 4 members of Seanad Éireann shall be appointed to be joined with a Select Committee of Dáil Éireann to form the Joint Committee on Transport to consider –
   1. such public affairs administered by the Department of Transport as it may select, including, in respect of Government policy, bodies under the aegis of that Department;
   2. such matters of policy for which the Minister for Transport is officially responsible as it may select;
   3. such related policy issues as it may select concerning bodies which are partly or wholly funded by the State or which are established or appointed by Members of the Government or by the Oireachtas;
   4. such Statutory Instruments made by the Minister for Transport and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas as it may select;
   5. such proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time, in accordance with Standing Order 65(4);
   6. the strategy statement laid before each House of the Oireachtas by the Minister for Transport pursuant to section 5(2) of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, and the Joint Committee shall be so authorised for the purposes of section 10 of that Act;
   7. such annual reports or annual reports and accounts, required by law and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas, of bodies specified in paragraphs 1(a)(i) and (iii), 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 concerned or by the Minister for Transport;

      
      

      and

      
      
   8. 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.

   
   
   2. The quorum of the Joint Committee shall be five, of whom at least one shall be a member of Dáil Éireann and one a member of Seanad Éireann.
   3. The Joint Committee shall have the powers defined in Standing Order 65(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 on Transport

APPENDIX 3
Meetings of the Joint Committee

APPENDIX 4
Meetings of the Dáil Select Committee

APPENDIX 5
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

12 November 2002

1. The Joint Committee met in Room CR1, Leinster House 2000 at 5.15 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Martin Brady, Tony Killeen (in substitution for John Ellis), Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power, Eoin Ryan and Róisín Shortall.

Senators Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrisey and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputy Pat Breen.

3. Election of Chairman

As there was a quorum, the Clerk to the Joint Committee took the Chair and called for nominations for the position of Chairman.

Deputy Eoin Ryan, proposed by Deputy Peter Power and seconded by Noel O’Flynn was elected as Chairman and took the Chair accordingly.

4. Election of Vice-Chairman.

The Chairman called for nominations for the Vice-Chair.

Deputy John Ellis, proposed by Deputy Peter Power and seconded by Noel O’Flynn was elected as Chairman and took the Chair accordingly.

In Private Session

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Adjournment

The joint committee adjourned at 5.44 p.m. until 19 November, 2002.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

19 November 2002

1. The Joint Committee met in Room CR2, Leinster House 2000 at 2.30 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Martin Brady, Pat Breen, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Michael Lowry, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power, Eoin Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators Paul Coughlan (in substitution for Fergal Browne), Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrisey and Paddy Burke (in substitution for David Norris).

Apologies were received from Deputy John Ellis and Senator David Norris.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

Presentation by Coras Iompair Éireann and Iarnród Éireann on rail freight and the future of the current rail network.

Dr. John Lynch, Chairman, Córas Iompair Èireann, Mr Joe Meagher, Managing Director, Iarnród Éireann, Mr. Stephen Ahern, Freight Manager, Iarnród Éireann and Mr. Richard O’Farrell Manager, Finance and Administration, Iarnród Éireann made a presentation to the committee. following which a question and answer session ensued.

Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m sine die.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

26 November 2002

1. The Joint Committee met in Room CR2, Leinster House 2000 at 2.36 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Seamus Healy Eoin Ryan, Senators Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputies Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten and Roisin Shortall.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 2:37p.m until 3 December, 2002 at 4:15p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

3 December 2002

1. The Joint Committee met in Room CR2, Leinster House 2000 at 4.21 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Peter Power, Eoin

Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrisey

Apologies were received from Deputy Denis Naughten and Senator David Norris.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Adjournment

The Committee adjourned at 4.45 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 14 January 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 2.31 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Noel O'Flynn, Peter Power and Roisin Shortall.

Senators Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey.

Apologies were received from Deputy Denis Naughten and Senator David Norris.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

7. Presentation by Aer Lingus on future developments in the company.

Mr. Willie Walsh, Chief Executive; Mr. Brian Dunne, Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Seamus Kearney, Chief Operations Officer and Mr. Dan Loughrey, Corporate Affairs Director made a presentation to the Committee following which a question and answer session ensued.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 4.35 p.m until Tuesday, 28 January 2002.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 28 January 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room R2, Leinster House 2000 at 2.35 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Denis Naughten, Róisín Shortall and Martin Brady.

Senators: Timmy Dooley, Fergal Browne, Shane Ross (substitute for David Norris) and Paul Coghlan (in the absence of Fergal Browne for part of the meeting).

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel O’Flynn, Séamus Healy, Peter Power and Senator David Norris.

Others in attendance in accordance with Standing Order 90(3): Deputies Trevor Sargent, Seán Ryan and Eamon Ryan.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

8. Presentation by Aer Rianta on future developments in the company.

Mr. Noel Hanlon, Chairman of the Board of Aer Rianta, Mr. John Burke, Chief Executive; Ms Margaret McSweeney, Deputy Chief Executive and Mr. Vincent Walls, Director of Communications, made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 5.15 p.m. until Tuesday, 11 February 2002.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 11^th February, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 2, Leinster House 2000 at 2.35 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Cregan (in substitution for Deputy Jim Glennon), John Ellis, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputies Noel O’Flynn, Jim Glennon and Séamus Healy.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

7. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.49 p.m.

8. EU Scrutiny

Members considered four proposals for European regulations which had been referred to the Committee by the EU Scrutiny Sub-Committee of the European Affairs Committee, as follows

COM (2002) 0683

Amended proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of a Community framework for noise calculation of civil subsonic aircraft for the purposes of calculating noise charges.

COM (2002) 0717

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules on compensation and assistance to air passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights.

COM (2002) 0623

Amended proposal for a Regulation fo the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council regulation (EEC) No 95/93 of 18 January, 1993 on common rules for the allocation of slots at Community airports.

COM (2002) 0664

Amended proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the safety of third countries aircraft using Community airports.

The latter two documents had been referred with a recommendation that no further scrutiny was required. The Committee concurred with this recommendation.

Mr. Robin, McKay, Principal Officer in the Aviation Regulation & International Relations Division in the Department of Transport made a presentation in relation to these proposals and a question and answer session ensued.

9. Presentation by Dublin Transportation Office

Mr. Conor McCarthy, Chairman, Mr. John Henry, Chief Executive and Mr. Jeremy Ryan, Senior Transportation Planner made a presentation to the Committee a question and answer session ensued.

10. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 5.30 p.m. until Tuesday, 25 February 2002.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 4^th March 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.40p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Michael Mulcahy (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady), Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputies Martin Brady, Denis Naughten and Noel O’Flynn

Deputy Eamon Ryan was also in attendance.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.47 p.m.

6. Joint Presentation by Roads Service, Northern Ireland and National Roads Authority.

Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, Chief Executive, Roads Service, Northern Ireland and Mr. Michael Tobin, Chief Executive, National Roads Auhtority made presentations to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. Suspension of Meeting

The meeting was suspended for two minutes at 4.20 p.m.

8. Resumption of Meeting

The meeting resumed at 4.21 p.m. NRA representatives continued the question and answer session.

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 4.50 p.m. until Wednesday 19 March at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 19^th March 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, John Moloney (in substitution for Peter Power), Roisin Shortall and Brendan Smith (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn)..

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputies Pat Breen, Séamus Healy and Senator David Norris.

3. Minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting of 4 March 2003 were agreed.

In Private Session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.40 p.m.

6. EU Scrutiny – Com (2002) 769 - Safety in Tunnels

Mr. Peter McEvoy, Principal Officer, and Ms. Laura Behan, Assistant Principal, Roads Policy Division in the Department of Transport, and Mr. Hugh Cregan, Technical Adviser in the National Roads Authority, made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. Absence of Chairman

Deputy John Ellis, Vice-Chairman of the Committee, assumed the Chair at 3.09 p.m.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 3.14 p.m. until Tuesday 25 March at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 25^th March 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power and Roisin Shortall.

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Senator David Norris.

Deputies Batt O’Keeffe, Conor Lenihan and Jimmy Deenihan and Senators Paul Bradford and Shane Ross attended in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 90(3).

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in public.

4. Item discussed in public.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.46 p.m.

5. Presentation by Ryanair.

Mr. Michael O’Leary, Chief Executive, Ryanair made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

6. Suspension of meeting

The meeting was suspended from 4.57 p.m. until 5.18 p.m. in order that Deputies could attend a division in the Dáil chamber.

7. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 5.23 p.m. until Tuesday 8 April at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 8^th April 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 1.33p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members were present:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power and Roisin Shortall.

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Deputy Eamonn Ryan also attended in accordance with Dáil Standing Order 90(3).

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.11 p.m.

7. Presentation by Irish Aviation Authority

Mr. Eamonn Brennan, Chief Executive, Mr. Donal Geaney, Chairman and Mr. Denis Hegerty, Head of Strategy made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

8. Absence of Chairman

Deputy John Ellis, Vice-Chairman of the Committee, assumed the Chair at 2.43 p.m.

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 3.23 p.m. until Tuesday 15 April at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 15^th April 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.38 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy and Denis Naughten,

Senators: Feargal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputy Róisín Shortall and Senator David Norris.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 2.38 p.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.49 p.m.

7. Presentation by Platform 11.

Mr. Derek Wheeler, Mr. Thomas Sheridan, Mr. Brian Guckian and Mr. Mark Foley made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 3.57 p.m. until Tuesday 29^th April at 1.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 30^th April 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.38 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: John Ellis (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Feargal Browne and Camillus Glynn (in substitution for Timmy Dooley).

Apologies were received from Deputy Eoin Ryan and from Senators Timmy Dooley, David Norris and Tom Morrissey

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 2.38 p.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.47 p.m.

7. Presentation by FAIR. (Families Advocating Immediate Redress)

Ms Cathy Darling and Ms. Rita Fernandez made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 3.43 p.m.

8. Item discussed in private session

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 3.57 p.m. until Tuesday 29^th April at 1.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 20^th May 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.35 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey.

Apologies were received from Senators Fergal Browne and David Norris

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 2.35 p.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

7. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 3.00 p.m.

8. Presentations by Bus Atha Cliath and Bus Éireann

Mr. Bill Lilley, Managing Director, Mr. Martin Nolan and Mr. Tim Hayes of Bus Éireann and Dr. Alan Westwell, Managing Director, Mr. Paddy Doherty Business Development Manager and Mr. Shane Doyle, Chief Engineer of Bus Átha Cliath made presentations to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 5.03 p.m. until Wednesday 21^st May at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 21^st May 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 10.06 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Senator Fergal Browne.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 10.06 a.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 10.08 a.m.

5. Presentations by Dublin Metro Group.

Mr. Cormac Rabbitte, Mr. Michael Ross-Lanigan, Mr. Paul Kelly and Mr. Jerry Kiersey made a presentation to the Committee a question and answer session ensued.

6. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.49 a.m. until Wednesday 28^th May at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 28^th May 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.38 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Senator Tom Morrissey.

Deputy Eamon Ryan and Senator Mary White also attended.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 9.38 a.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.52 a.m.

7. Presentation by Railway Procurement Agency.

Mr. Padraic White, Mr. Frank Allen, Mr. Rory O’Connor and Mr. Michael Sheedy of made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

8. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 11.46 a.m. until Thursday 29^th May at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 29^th May 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 9.37 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne and Timmy Dooley.

Apologies were received from Senator Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Deputy Eamon Ryan also attended.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 9.37 a.m.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.57 a.m.

6. Presentation by Interim Taxi Regulator and Taxi Hardship Panel.

Mr. Jimmy Farrell, Interim Taxi Regulator, Mr. Kevin Bonner and Ms. Ann O’Riordan of the Taxi Hardship Panel made presentations to the Committee following which a question and answer session ensued.

7. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 10.55 a.m. until Wednesday 11^th June at 9.30a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 12 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.26a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: John Ellis (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, Jim Glennon, and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and David Norris. Senator Camillus Glynn attended in substitution for Senator Dooley at the commencement of the meeting.

Apologies were received from Deputies Eoin Ryan, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten and Peter Power.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.45 a.m.

7. Presentation by An Garda Siochana and Taxi Representative Bodies.

Chief Superintendent Michael McCarthy and Inspector Declan Brogan from the Traffic Department of An Garda Siochana, Mr. Tommie Gorman, President, and Mr. Vincent Kearns, Vice President of the National Taxi Drivers’ Union and Mr. Larry Kelly, Branch President and Mr. Gerry Brennan, Branch Secretary, of SIPTU’s taxi branch made presentations to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

8. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 10.45 a.m. until Tuesday 17^th June at 2.00 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 17 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 2.08 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: David Norris and Timmy Dooley.

Apologies were received from Senator Fergal Browne.

Deputy Eamon Ryan also attended.

3. Presentations on Road Safety

The following persons made presentations to the Committee.

• Dr. James McDaid, T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Transport;
• Assistant Commissioner Tony Hickey and Chief Superintendent Dermot Fitzpatrick of the Garda National Traffic Bureau;
• Mr. Mike Kemp, Chief Executive Officer of the Irish Insurance Federation;
• Professor Denis Cusack, Director of the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, and Professor of Forensic Medicine at UCD;
• Mr. Eddie Shaw, Chairman of the National Safety Council;
• Mr. Conor Faughnan, Public Affairs Manager of the Automobile Association;
• Mr. James Doorley of the National Youth Council
• Mr. Michael Manley Principal Officer, Department of Finance.
• Mr. Ken O’Leary, Assistant Secretary, Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform;
• Mr. Shay McGovern, Assistant Principal Officer, Department of Health & Children
• Mr. Martin Condon, Principal Officer, Department of the Environment, Local Government and Heritage.

Following the presentations, a question and answer session ensued.

4. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.54 p.m. until Wednesday 18^th June at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 18 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: John Ellis (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, Charlie O’Connor (in substitution for Jim Gelnnon), Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Apologies were received from Deputies Eoin Ryan and Seamus Healy

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.38 a.m.

4. Presentations by Irish Road Haulage Association, Irish Exporters’ Association and Dublin Port Transport Umbrella Group.

Mr. Jerry Kiersey, Chairman and Mr. Cormac Rabbitt, Engineer, of the Dublin Port Transport Umbrella Group, Mr. Eamonn Morrissey, President, and Mr. Sean Murtagh of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Mr. John Whelan, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fran Dodd of the Irish Exporters’ Association made presentations to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

5. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 11.11 a.m. until Thursday 19^th June at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 19 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan(in the chair), Pat Breen, John Ellis, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

3. Presentation by Professor Manuel Maynar Melis, Director General of Transport Infrastructure, Madrid City Council.

Professor Manuel Maynar Melis, Director General of Transport Infrastructure, Madrid City Council, attended before the Committee and made a presentation on the Dublin Metro Project. He was accompanied by Mr. José Andres Gallegos, Counsellor at the Spanish Embassy in Dublin. The witnesses responded to Members’ queries.

4. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 10.46 a.m. until Wednesday 25^th June at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 25 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.33a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan(in the chair), Pat Breen, John Ellis, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

3. Meeting with Minister Brennan – Briefing on Bus Deregulation.

Mr. Seamus Brennan T.D., Minister for Transport, made a presentation to the Committee. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Pat Mangan, Assistant Secretary and Mr. Dermot McCarthy, Principal Officer at the Department of Transport. A question and answer session ensued.

4. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 11.05 a.m. until Wednesday 25^th June at 7.00 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 25 June 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 7.06 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday, 26 June 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.39a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

3. Presentation by Aer Rianta Worker Representatives and Worker Directors regarding the future development of Dublin Airport.

Mr. Dermot O’Loughlin, Mr. Barry Nevin and Mr. Peter Dunne made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

4. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 10.47 a.m. until Tuesday 1^{st July at 2.30 p.m.}

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday, 1 July 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 3, Leinster House 2000 at 2.33 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Jim Glennon), Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Deputy Jan O’Sullivan and Senator Brendan Daly also attended.

In private session

3. Item discussed in private session

4. Item discussed in private session

5. Item discussed in private session

6. Item discussed in private session

7. Item discussed in private session

In public session

The Committee met in public session at 2:56 p.m.

8. Presentation by Signal

Mr. Kevin Thompstone, Chief Executive Officer, Shannon Development; Mr. Tony Brazil, Travel Agents Association; Mr. Joe Buckley, SIGNAL, Shannon Airport; Mr. Joe Cunningham, SIPTU/Shannon Airport Western Alliance and Cllr. Peter Considine, Local Authorities/Shannon Airport Western Alliance made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

9. Adjournment.

There being no other business, the Committee adjourned at 4.36 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 2^nd July.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 2 July 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.38a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Deputy Sean Ryan also attended.

In Private Session

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.43 a.m.

6. Presentation by Aer Rianta.

Mr. Robert Hilliard, Dublin Airport Director of Dublin Airport, and Mr. David Hepburn, General Manager, Public Affairs, Aer Rianta, made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. Suspension of meeting.

The meeting was suspended at 10.35 a.m.

8. Resumption of sitting.

The meeting resumed in public session at 10.40 a.m.

9. Presentation by UPROAR

Mr. Brian Byrne made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

10. Suspension.

There meeting was suspended at 11.32 a.m., to be resumed at 7.00 p.m.

11. Resumption of Public Session

The Committee resumed its meeting in public session at 7.06 p.m.

12. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Eoin Ryan (in the chair), Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Deputy Eamon Ryan and Senators James Bannon, Marc MacSharry and Martin Mansergh also attended.

In Private Session

The Committee met in private session at 7.06 p.m.

13. Item discussed in private session.

14. Item discussed in private session.

15. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session

The Committee met in public session at 7.31 p.m.

16. Presentation by Railway Procurement Agency

Mr. Frank Allen, Chief Executive made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

17. Suspension of meeting.

The meeting was suspended at 8.55 p.m. for a vote in the Dáil Chamber.

18. Resumption of meeting.

The meeting resumed at 9.14 p.m.

The briefing session continued.

19. Adjournment of meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 10.05 p.m. until 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 9^th July, 2003.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 9^th July, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.34a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis (in the chair), Tony Dempsey (in substitution for Jim Glennon), Seamus Healy, Eamon Ryan (in substitution for Michael Lowry), Denis Naughten, Conor Lenihan (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Peter Power, Barry Andrews (in substitution for Eoin Ryan) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey.

Apologies were received from Senator David Norris and from Deputies Eoin Ryan and Jim Glennon.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 9.35 a.m.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

8. Item discussed in private session.

9. Item discussed in private session.

10. Item discussed in private session.

11. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.57 a.m.

12. Motion re: Ireland – US Bilateral Aviation Agreement.

Deputy Roisin Shortall proposed the following motion:

“That due to the potentially serious economic implications of changes to the current dual-gateway policy for the west of Ireland, this Committee calls on the Minister for Transport to make no changes to the U.S. - Ireland Aviation Bilateral Agreement until such time as a comprehensive economic impact study has been carried out and until this Committee has had an opportunity to consider that study.”

Deputy Pat Breen seconded the motion.

Deputy Peter Power proposed an amendment to the motion, as follows:

“To delete all the words after ‘That’ where it first occurs and to insert the following:

‘this Committee

– agrees with the Minister that the new and liberalised market will have significant benefits for Irish tourism and business, for citizens wishing to travel to the US, for Aer Lingus, for other Irish airports which currently do not have scheduled services to the USA, will allow Shannon to retain its position as an important destination for US/Ireland traffic and may offer significant opportunities for Shannon to develop itself as a hub for traffic between the USA and Europe in the context of the enlargement of the Community next year;




– notes the Minister's stated commitment that he will not agree to any changes until he is fully satisfied that Shannon has an equal or greater volume of aviation business available to it, and




– supports the Minister's decision that discussions will take place between his Department and all the necessary interests on these matters including Shannon interests, the European Commission, the US authorities and Aer Lingus.’”

Deputy Martin Brady seconded the amendment.

The Committee discussed the motion and the amendment.

The Chair put the question “That the amendment be made”

The Committee divided

Tá

Deputy Martin Brady

Deputy Tony Dempsey (in substitution for Deputy Jim Glennon)

Deputy John Ellis

Deputy Conor Lenihan (in substitution for Deputy Noel O’Flynn)

Deputy Peter Power

Deputy Barry Andrews (in substitution for Deputy Eoin Ryan)

Senator Timmy Dooley

Senator Tom Morrissey

Níl

Deputy Pat Breen

Deputy Seamus Healy

Deputy Eamon Ryan (in substitution for Deputy Michael Lowry)

Deputy Denis Naughten

Deputy Roisin Shortall

Senator Fergal Browne

Tá 8, Níl 6.

The Chairman declared the amendment agreed

The motion, as amended, was agreed.

13. Presentation by Bus Éireann and Bus Atha Cliath unions.

Mr. Liam Berney, Industrial Officer, Irish Congress of Trades Unions, Mr. Jack O’Connor, Vice-President, SIPTU, Mr. Roger Hannon, Irish Representative of the Transport Salaried Staff Association and Mr. Hugh Geraghty, Secretary to the CIE Group of Unions made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

14. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 11.55 a.m. until Wednesday 23^rd July at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday, 23^rd July, 2003.

In Public Session.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, John McGuinness (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Peter Power, Eoin Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 2.34 p.m.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

8. Item discussed in private session.

9. Item discussed in private session.

10. Item discussed in private session.

11. Item discussed in private session.

12. Item discussed in private session.

13. Item discussed in private session.

14. Item discussed in private session.

15. Item discussed in private session.

16. Item discussed in private session.

17. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 3.59 p.m.

18. Presentation by Railway Procurement Agency

Mr. Frank Allen, Chief Executive, Railway Procurement Agency, Mr. Padraic White, Chairman, Mr. Michael Sheedy, Light Rail Project Director and Mr. Rory O’Connor, Metro Director made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

19. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 5.02 p.m. until Tuesday 23^rd September at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 23^rd September, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in public session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.39 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Peter Power, Eoin Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey.

Apologies were received from Senator David Norris.

In Private Session.

The Committee met in private session at 2.40 p.m.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

8. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 3.27 p.m.

9. Presentation by Public Private Partnership Unit of the Department of Finance.

Mr. Eamonn Kearns, Director of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Unit of the Department of Finance, Mr. Michael Manley, Principal Officer, Public Expenditure Division, Mr. Pat O’Neill, Programme Manager, PPP Unit, and Ms. Caitríona O’Brien, Communications Manager, PPP Unit, made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

10. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 5.10 p.m. until Wednesday 1^st October at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 1^st October, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.37 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 7^th October, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.36 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 8^th October, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.43 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten and Peter Power.

Senators: Timmy Dooley´, Sheila Terry (in substitution for Senator Fergal Browne), Kieran Phelan (in substitution for Senator Dooley at the commencement of the meeting).

Apologies were received from Deputies Eoin Ryan and Róisín Shortall and from Senators Fergal Browne, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session

The Committee met in public session at 10.15 a.m..

7. Scrutiny of EU legislative proposals

The Committee scrutinised six EU legislative proposals, listed below:

COM (2003) 132 – regarding an EU-wide system of road tolling;

COM (2003) 228 – regarding unfair pricing practices among air carriers;

COM (2003) 350 – regarding speed limitation devices of certain categories of motor vehicles;

COM (2003) 361 – regarding seats, anchorages and head restraints in motor vehicles;

COM (2003) 362 – regarding the approximation of the laws of Members States relating to anchorages for motor-vehicle safety belts;

COM (2003) 363 – regarding the approximation of the laws of Members States relating to safety belts and restraint systems;

Mr. Jim Humphreys, Principal Officer, Ms. Laura Behan, Assistant Principal Officer from the Road Policy Division, and Mr. Gerard Murphy, Heads of the NRA’s PPP Unit made a presentation on COM (2003) 132 regarding road tolling.

The Committee decided that it had no formal observations to offer on this proposal, but recommended that pending the development of affordable satellite technology, it would be premature to discontinue the use of existing microwave based technology.

Mr. Micheál Ó Méalóid, Assistant Principal, and Ms. Niamh O’Brien, Higher Executive Officer in the Aviation Regulation and International Relations Division made a presentation on COM (2003) 228 regarding unfair pricing practices among air carriers.

The Committee decided that it had no formal observations to offer on this proposal.

Mr. Des Coppins, Principal Officer, and Mr. Jim Ellis, Assistant Principal Officer of the Vehicle Standards Division made a presentation on the remaining four proposals regarding vehicle standards, viz. COM (2003) 350 – regarding speed limitation devices of certain categories of motor vehicles, COM (2003) 361 - regarding seats, anchorages and head restraints in motor vehicles, COM (2003) 362 - regarding the approximation of the laws of Members States relating to anchorages for motor-vehicle safety belts, and COM (2003) 363 - regarding the approximation of the laws of Members States relating to safety belts and restraint systems.

The Committee decided that it had no formal observations to offer on these proposals

8. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 10.57 a.m. until Thursday 16^th October at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday 16^th October, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.32 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 21^th October, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.34 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Pat Breen, John Ellis, Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power, Eoin Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, Tom Morrissey and David Norris.

Senator Eamonn Scanlon attended at the commencement of the meeting in substitution for Senator Tom Morrissey. Senators Peter Callanan and Kieran Phelan each attended in substitution for Senator Dooley during early parts of the meeting.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met at 2.40 p.m. in public session

5. Meeting with National Transport Users’ Association

Mr. Tom Newton, Mr. John Moore and Mr. Anthony Brophy made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

The meeting was suspended from 3.31 p.m. to 3.35 p.m.

6. Meeting with National Roads Authority

Mr. Michael Egan, Mr. John Fitzsimons and Mr. Brian Cullinane, of the National Roads Authority made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.46 p.m. until Tuesday 29 October at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 29^th October, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.34 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 4^th November, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.34p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, John Ellis (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten, Peter Power, and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputies Eoin Ryan, Seamus Healy and Noel O’Flynn and Senators Fergal Browne and David Norris.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

In public session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.55 p.m.

8. Meeting with IBEC’s Federation of Aerospace Enterprises in irealnd.

Mr. Willie Walsh, CEO of Aer Lingus, Mr. David O’Brien, Director, Ryanair, Mr. Geoffrey White, CEO, Cityjet, Mr. Peter McKenna, Aer Arann, Mr. Frank O’Hagan, Air Contractors and Mr. Tommy McCabe, IBEC made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

9. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.12 p.m. until Wednesday 5 November at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 5^th November, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, John Ellis, Jim Glennon, Denis Naughten, Peter Power, Eoin Ryan (in the chair) and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputies Seamus Healy and Noel O’Flynn and Senator David Norris.

Deputy Eamon Ryan also attended.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

In public session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.55 p.m.

6. Meeting with Railway Procurement Agency.

Mr. Frank Allen, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Sheedy, Director of Light Rail and Mr Ger Hannon, Manager of Strategic Planning and Public Relations made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

In Private Session.

The committee met in private session at 11.39 a.m.

7. Item discussed in private session.

8. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.12 p.m. until Wednesday 5 November at 11.44 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Thursday 6^th November, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 11.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 12^th November, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 9.35 a.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: John Ellis (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Seamus Healy, Tony Killeen (in substitution for Deputy Martin Brady) Denis Naughten, Noel O’Flynn, Peter Power, and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputies Pat Breen and Eoin Ryan, and from Senator David Norris.

Deputies James Breen, John Carty, Jerry Cowley, Marian Harkin, Maire Hoctor, Paddy McHugh, Jan O’Sullivan and Eamon Ryan and Senators Michael Brennan, Brendan Daly, Jim Higgins and Kieran Phelan also attended.

In Private Session

3. The Joint Committee met in private session at 9.36 a.m.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 9.46 a.m.

6. Presentation by West on Track.

Father Micheál MacGréil, Cllr. Michael McGreal, Mr. Martin Cunniffe and Mr. Colman ÓRaghallaigh made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. The meeting was suspended at 10.28 a.m.

8. The meeting resumed in public session at 10.31 a.m.

9. Presentation by Shannon Railway Partnership.

Cllr. Seán Hillery, Mr. Tom Kirby, Ms. Bernadette Kinsella, Mr. Padraig MacCormaic and Mr. Sean Mulrooney made presentations to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

10. The meeting was suspended at 11.06 a.m.

11. The meeting resumed in public session at 11.08 a.m.

12. Presentation by Iarnród Éireann.

Mr. Joe Meagher, Mr. Tom Finn, Mr. Brian Garvey and Mr. Gerry Glynn of Iarnrod Éireann made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

13. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 12.17 p.m. until Tuesday 2^nd December at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 2^nd December, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.36 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: Martin Brady, Pat Breen, Ciaran Cuffe (in substitution for Seamus Healy at the commencement of the meeting), Tony Dempsey (in substitution for Eoin Ryan), John Ellis (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Máire Hoctor (in substitution for Noel O’Flynn), Dinny McGinley (in substitution for Denis Naughten), Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Fergal Browne, Timmy Dooley, David Norris and Tom Morrissey

Apologies were received from Deputies Seamus Healy, Denis Naughten, Nole O’Flynn and Eoin Ryan.

In Private Session

3. The Joint Committee met in private session at 2.38 p.m.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

6. Item discussed in private session.

7. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 2.48 p.m.

8. Motion re. Western Rail Corridor.

Deputy Pat Breen proposed the following motion:

“That this Committee calls on the Minister for Transport to include the opening of key strategic sections of the Western Rail Corridor as part of his plans to address the underspend in the Border Midlands West region under the National Development Plan.”

Senator Browne seconded the motion.

Deputy Peter Power proposed an amendment to the motion, as follows:

“To delete all the words after ‘this Committee” and to insert the following:

‘’notes that, following the publication of the Strategic Rail Review, the Minister for Transport has made consultancy advice and the advice of his officials available to the Regional Authorities regarding the Western Rail Corridor,

calls on the Minister for Transport to continue his Department's discussions with the Regional Authorities

- in the preparation of Regional Planning Guidelines,




- in determining the appropriate land use and settlement strategies for the regions, and




- identifying the future infrastructure needs of those regions in terms of roads and public transport, and

notes that the Minister has asked Irish Rail to continue to facilitate the Regional Authorities in their work, as they have done in the case of Cork rail study.”

Deputy Martin Brady seconded the amendment.

The Committee discussed the motion and the amendment.

The Chair put the question “That the amendment be made”

The Committee divided

Tá

Deputy Martin Brady

Deputy Tony Dempsey (in substitution for Deputy Eoin Ryan)

Deputy John Ellis

Deputy Jim Glennon

Deputy Maire Hoctor (in substitution for Deputy Noel O’Flynn)

Deputy Peter Power

Senator Timmy Dooley

Senator Tom Morrissey

Níl

Deputy Pat Breen

Deputy Ciaran Cuffe (in substitution for Deputy Seamus Healy)

Deputy Seamus Healy

Deputy Eamon Ryan (in substitution for Deputy Michael Lowry)

Deputy Dinny McGinley (in substitution for Deputy Denis Naughten)

Deputy Roisin Shortall

Senator Fergal Browne

Tá 8, Níl 7.

The Chairman declared the amendment agreed

The motion, as amended, was agreed.

9. Presentation by Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Clive Brownlee, President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Eugene McCague, Chairman, Ms. Gina Quin, Chief Executive and Mr. Declan Martin, Director of Policy made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

10. The meeting was suspended at 4.22 p.m.

11. The meeting resumed in public session at 4.23 p.m.

12. Presentation by Dublin City Business Association.

Mr. Paul McElearney, Chairman, Mr. Michael Ryder, Company Secretary and Mr. Tom Coffey, CEO made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

13. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 5.00 p.m. until Tuesday 16^th December at 2.30 p.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Tuesday 16^th December, 2003.

1. The Joint Committee met in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 2.40 p.m.

2. Attendance

The following Members attended:

Deputies: James Breen (in substitution for Seamus Healy), Pat Breen, John Ellis (in the chair), Jim Glennon, Michael Mulcahy (in substitution for Martin Brady), Denis Naughten, Peter Power and Róisín Shortall.

Senators: Timmy Dooley, David Norris and Kieran Phelan (in substitution for Timmy Dooley at the commencement of the meeting)

Apologies were received from Deputies Martin Brady, Seamus Healy, Noel O’Flynn and Eoin Ryan and from Senators Fergal Browne and Tom Morrissey.

In Private Session.

3. Item discussed in private session.

4. Item discussed in private session.

5. Item discussed in private session.

In Public Session.

The Committee met in public session at 3.11 p.m.

6. Presentation by Shannon Railway Company.

Mr. Barry Boland, Cllr. Seán Hillery, Mayor of Ennis, and Mr. David Garivan made a presentation to the Committee. A question and answer session ensued.

7. Adjournment.

The Committee adjourned at 4.11 p.m. until Wednesday 17^th December at 9.30 a.m.

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

PROCEEDINGS

Wednesday 17^th December, 2003.

The Joint Committee met in private session in Committee Room 1, Leinster House 2000 at 10.06 a.m.

APPENDIX 6

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

WORK PROGRAMME, 2004

JOINT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT

WORK PROGRAMME.

The relevant Orders of Reference and Standing Orders for the Joint Committee on Transport are set out in the attached Appendices.

Work Programme

In accordance with Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann the Joint Committee on Transport hereby presents its work programme for 2004. The Joint Committee, will, in a structured manner, review specific major areas of policy falling within the remit of the Minister for Transport. The Committee will then produce a series of reports containing conclusions and recommendations and lay them before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Where necessary, the Committee may also seek submissions from the public and may, from time to time, engage consultants with particular expertise, to advise and assist it in its work.

The following are the major policy area that the Joint Committee intends reviewing, or commencing work on, during this period:

1. National Roads Network
   • Value for Money & Delivery of Infrastructural Projects;
   • Roll out of the National Roads Network;
   • Road safety.
2. Metro proposal for Dublin
   • Consideration of possible methods of financing a metro.
3. Aviation matters
   • Restructuring and the future of Irish International & Regional Airports;
   • European Single & Open skies;
   • Aviation safety.
4. Bus deregulation
   • Examination of models of bus-systems in other cities

It should be noted that the issues listed above for inclusion in the Joint Committee's work programme are not set down in an order of priority. The Joint Committee will decide on individual areas for review in light of its assessment of a particular need during the year. In that context it is also probable that other relevant issues, not included in the work programme, may arise from time to time, which will require urgent attention by the Joint Committee.

Oireachtas Scrutiny of European Business

In addition to the matters outlined above, the Joint Committee will also consider proposals for EU legislation and related policy issues as may be referred to it from time to time by the Joint Committee on European Affairs

Bodies under the aegis of the Department

• Aer Lingus Group plc
• Aer Rianta cpt
• Coras Iompair Eireann (*see note below)
• Dublin Transportation Office
• Irish Aviation Authority
• Medical Bureau of Road Safety
• National Roads Authority
• National Safety Council
• Railway Procurement Agency
• Commission for Aviation Regulation

* Under the Transport (Re-Organisation of Córas Iompair Éireann) Act 1986, 3 Companies namely (1) Íarnród Éireann – Irish Rail; (2) Bus Éireann – Irish Bus; (3) Bus Átha Cliath – Dublin Bus, must provide audited accounts and reports to the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann (CIE). The Board, in turn must provide these accounts to the Minister. The Minister then causes a copy to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Strategy Statements

The Joint Committee will consider the Strategy Statement and the S.M.I. documents relating to the Department of Transport in detail during the year and report annually on progress made by the Department.

Travel

It is likely that issues will arise during 2004, which will require the Committee to attend international conferences and/or inform itself, as part of the input to issues under review etc.

Select Committee on Transport

Under Paragraph (1) of its Orders of Reference (Dáil Éireann) the Select Committee will consider such

• Bills,
• Estimates and
• Proposals contained in any motion within the meaning of Standing Order 157 concerning the approval by the Dáil of International agreements involving a charge on public funds as shall be referred to it by Dáil Éireann from time to time.

Eoin Ryan, T.D.

Chairman

11^th February, 2004