asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any information to give in reference to the submission made to him by letter concerning the tying up of the fleet of Government barges on the Grand Canal system; also the conditions, wages, rentage of barges, tolls, etc., in connection with the working of these barges, and if he will state who is the manager of the barge fleet.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Government Barges.
Mr. Larkin
The Deputy's recent letter in this matter has already been answered.
Conditions of work and wages of persons who are employed in the operation of State-owned barges are matters for the individual hirers of the barges. Particulars of the rental of barges will be found in the Official Reports, Vol. 93, No. 3, column 1012. The maximum tolls chargeable are established by Emergency Powers (Increase of Maximum Charges of Grand Canal Company) Order, 1943, S.R. and O. 1943, No. 264. The Grand Canal Company acts as agent for the purpose of renting out State-owned barges.
Mr. Larkin
Another interesting point is that the people dealing with the Grand Canal are agents for the Government barges. These barges are charged at £1 5s. 0d. a week, although the capital cost of each of them was about £1,000. Nineteen of them are lying idle because it is not worth while to work them. The men get £4 10s. 0d. for working, and the company gets £6 5s. 0d. If that is carrying on the industry in an economical fashion I suggest that it is time there should be a change.
I have not yet heard a supplementary question from the Deputy.