asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he received from public bodies in County Cork resolutions protesting against the increase in the bus fares recently imposed by the Great Southern Railways Company and, if so, whether he is in a position to say if action will be taken to give effect to the demands expressed in such resolutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protest Against Increased Bus Fares.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question I would refer the Deputy to my reply to-day to the question standing in the joint names of Deputies Bartley and Keane.
May I ask the Minister if he is going to do nothing or make no inquiry to see whether the increase in these fares is justified or not? That is the point I wanted to get from the Minister on the previous day and I submit that is the point which Deputy Bartley wants to get from him to-day. Further, may I ask if he is aware that 22 additional men were dismissed at the Cork bus company's garage on last week-end because, as a result of the increase in fares, the people are not travelling on the buses?
They lost money in Cobh.
May I ask the Minister how it is possible for the company to say that there could be a loss, when, so far as the services in County Cork are concerned, at any rate, not only have the services been reduced in number, but the wages of the men have been reduced? Further, may I ask the Minister, if these new increased fares are within the statutory limit, will he take powers to repeal the statute which allows these excessive fares?
Am I to get no reply to the supplementary question I put?
I have nothing to add to the replies I have already given to the many supplementaries in this matter.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I propose, with your permission, Sir, to raise the matter on the adjournment.