asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the withdrawal of licences for the use of auto-cycles has in many cases caused very grave hardship; and, if so, if he will state whether he will make arrangements to have applications for such licences considered, with a view to granting discs to persons to whom they are an absolute necessity for the purpose of their trade, business or profession.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Auto-Cycle Licences.
I am aware that the withdrawal of private motor vehicles is a cause of serious inconvenience to the community generally but I regret I am unable to discriminate in favour of users of auto-cycles as compared with users of other types of private motor vehicles.
Does the Minister not consider that petrol will be spared by granting licences throughout the State to persons who use auto-cycles? Would not petrol be saved if auto-cycles could be used instead of cars? The amount of petrol allowed for a car would enable an auto-cycle to be run for a couple of months. There are persons in every county who find it absolutely necessary to use auto-cycles for business purposes. Why does the Department not reconsider the question of granting licences for the use of auto-cycles for necessary purposes?
I cannot agree that the granting of permits for the use of auto-cycles would save petrol. The total quantity of petrol allocated for use by hackney vehicles is fixed, and unless the Deputy is prepared to suggest that the quantity for hackney vehicles be reduced substantially obviously no saving would result.