asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that at a recent meeting of the Dublin Trades Union Council it was stated that in some of the bus companies the conditions of service were a scandal and if in the interests of the travelling public and of the employees he will direct that an investigation be made into the allegations raised before allowing the remission of duty to bus owners proposed in this year's Budget.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Working Conditions in Bus Services.
I have seen a Press report of the statement to which the Deputy refers.
The question of employees' hours of work has a bearing on the factor of public safety on the roads, and I am in communication with the Minister for Local Government and Public Health with a view to inserting some provision on this matter in the Road Traffic Bill which is now under consideration.
As to the question of wages, it is my intention that every licence issued under the Road Transport Act, 1932, will contain a condition requiring the licensee to conduct his service on a high progressive standard calculated amongst other things to provide reasonable conditions of employment for those engaged on the working of the service.
The question of the variation of the road tax on omnibuses is one for the Minister for Finance.