asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, while the cost of two wagons to convey 26 head of cattle by rail from Ennis to North Wall, Dublin, is £13 14s. 8d., in a recent instance the charge made by Córas Iompair Éireann for the conveyance of 26 head of cattle over this distance by road motor service was £33; whether the latter charge is in accordance with the scale of charges sanctioned by him; and if so, whether he is prepared to revise the schedule of charges for the carriage by Córas Iompair Éireann of live stock by road.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carriage of Live Stock.
The rates charged by Córas Iompair Éireann for the carriage of goods and live stock by road are not subject to statutory control at present.
The Transport Act, 1944, provides that the Minister for Industry and Commerce may require the company to submit a schedule of maximum charges for road transport for his approval. I am satisfied that the present level of the company's charges on their road services must be maintained to meet their expenses and I have, therefore, deferred asking the company to submit a schedule of charges for approval pending a greater stability in operating costs.