asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received any representations from men who have been disemployed owing to the amalgamation of the transport services in Dublin; if he is aware that some hundreds of men are so affected, 90 per cent. of whom are married with dependants; whether it is proposed to take any steps to relieve the hardships imposed by this loss of employment by providing compensation and alternative employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amalgamation of Transport Services.
I have received representations on behalf of the men referred to by the Deputy. I would direct the Deputy's attention to Part VI of the Road Transport Act, 1933, which makes certain provision for employees of omnibus undertakings that may be absorbed. The position is having my attention and I am in communication with the Dublin United Tramways Company concerning it.
Is the Minister taking any steps to see that the old services are maintained as a result of the amalgamation? A number of buses have been taken off various routes and I would like to know if the Minister is arranging that the same services are maintained.
That is really a separate question, but I might mention that when a road transport licence is transferred from one person to another the new holder of the licence has the same obligations with respect to maintaining the services as the old holder.