asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the running schedules recently introduced on certain routes by the Dublin United Tramways Company aim at substantially curtailing the time permitted for cars to complete the journey on these routes and-have resulted in the discharge of 31 employees, and that in particular it is the policy of the company to curtail the services and accelerate the speed of tramcars on the Dalkey, Lucan, and Howth lines; and if he will state whether, in framing the bye-laws governing the speed of trams, consideration was given to the effect of the bye-laws on the number of men employed by the company and to the safety of the travelling public; further if it is his intention to take any action in the matter with the object of allaying discontent amongst the employees and for the purpose of protecting the interests of the travelling public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Running Schedules, D.U.T.C.
I have no function in regard to the running schedules of tramcars, which are entirely a matter for the Dublin United Tramways Company, but I understand from the company that the running schedules for any of the routes named have not been altered for a very considerable time past. In framing bye-laws concerning the speed of tramcars the only consideration is the safety and convenience of the public. There has been no recent amendment of the bye-laws applicable to the Dublin United Tramways Company's system, and as no representations have been made to me that any such change is necessary or desirable, the matter has not been considered.
In consequence of the apparent congestion of traffic brought about by the changes which everybody can see has happened so far as the tramway company is concerned, would the Minister have an investigation made into the matter?
I have had an investigation made.
And you are satisfied with the conditions in the tramways service?
I am satisfied that there has been no change in the running schedules, and in regard to the schedules of the routes named that they have not been altered for a considerable time past.