*To ask the Minister for Transport when the Railway Safety Commission will be established; if he has satisfied himself with the current arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

- Denis Naughten.
For PRIORITY answer on Tuesday, 4th May, 2004
Ref No:   12732/04     Lottery:   4

Answered by the Minister for Transport - Séamus Brennan

Reply

I intend to make the necessary order formally establishing the Railway Safety Commission as soon as possible following the  enactment of the Railway Safety Bill.

With the co-operation of the Houses of the Oireachtas, I expect the Bill, which completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 7 May 2003 to be enacted before the Summer recess.

I am satisfied that the implementation of the provisions of the amended Bill will create an effective and robust regulatory framework for railway safety.