The Public Transport Minister has said C.I.E. is in the midst of a "perfect storm" as it fights for its future. 

Alan Kelly has told the Dáil that despite being "quite a difficult situation", a robust business plan is being put together to ensure the company has a future. 

The opposition says the future viability of C.I.E. is in jeopardy because the government has not set out a clear policy. 

Timmy Dooley of Fianna Fáil has said the government should not assume the response of increasing fares and cutting services is the correct one. 

"You will be aware of the auditors report that identifies the future viability of C.I.E. as being in jeopardy" he said.

"You have a public policy role - it's about ensuring that there is a public transport network and service to meet the needs of the travelling public and when are you going to set out a strategic position - the policy of this Government - in terms of what you want the network provider to provide to the citizens?" he questioned. 

'Action being taken'

But Minister of State Alan Kelly hit back at Fianna Fáil for fare increases during their time in government and went on to insist the coalition is on top of this. 

"C.I.E. is in a situation where it is in a perfect storm, given the loss of revenue and the loss of passengers" he told the Dáil. 

"The fuel rebate was also taken away, there is also increases in fuel prices so it is in quite a difficult situation as the mainstay of public transport". 

"But there is a plan being put together, a business plan, a robust business plan by the company, and this government has taken actions to ensure that C.I.E. will be able to operate into the future and we are working very closely with the board", he said.