asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if, in the light of a recent settlement between CIE and one of its employees, he is still satisfied that all possible steps have been taken to establish the cause of the Cherryville disaster and to ensure that such a disaster never happens again; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am satisfied that the formal investigation held into the Cherryville rail accident took all necessary steps to establish the causes and circumstances of the accident. The detailed report of the investigation was published in February 1985. The report contains nine recommendations designed to prevent a recurrence of such an accident. Of the nine recommendations, six have been implemented or are in the course of being implemented and three, including one of those implemented, are the subject of industrial relations disputes which have been referred to the Labour Court. Discussions are proceeding with a view to the full implementation, as soon as possible, of the remaining recommendation.

I ask the Minister to elaborate a little on the nine recommendations. Is he satisfied with those that have been or are being implemented and that there will be no recurrence of that type of accident and the unusual circumstances that surrounded it? Is he concerned about the delay in implementing the three remaining recommendations?

I can answer very strongly in the affirmative. I am fully conscious of the responsibility of CIE and of my responsibility as Minister in this area of safety and security.