644. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date he last met the chairperson and chief executive officer of Iarnród Éireann; the topics discussed; when he will next meet them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45014/15]

My Department has regular contact with the Iarnród Eireann CEO and his management team as as part of its ongoing relationship with CIE and its operating subsidiaries. As required, I would also have contacts with the Chair and CEO of Iarnród Éireann.  My last formal meeting with the Iarnród Éireann Chair was on 1 September 2014 and I last met the CEO of Iarnród Éireann on the 29th October 2015.

I have no immediate plans at present to meet the Chairman and CEO of Iarnród Eireann but the Deputy can be assured that there will continue to be a strong level of communication between my Department and Iarnród Éireann on all key areas of the company's activities.