HL Deb 02 May 2000 vol 612 cc172-3WA
Lord Laud

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In view of the recent review of safety on Northern Ireland Railways, what steps are being taken to address safety issues in the short term; and whether these steps include the establishment of a safety committee at board level to ensure strategic rail safety competence and the allocation of a non-executive board member with the duty to monitor safety issues. [HL2137]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

Northern Ireland Railways has a statutory duty to ensure the safe operation of railway services at all times and continues to exercise this. NIR has advised that all issues highlighted in the review requiring immediate action have been addressed. It is understood that the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, which has oversight of NI Railways, has established a group safety committee and that the chairman, a non-executive Director, is charged with monitoring safety issues.