asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of branch lines closed down by Córas Iompair Éireann during the present year; the number subsequently reopened; the number still closed down; under what statutory authority the company is entitled to keep these lines closed for an indefinite period; also the number of staff displaced, during the first nine months of the present year, by reason of the closing of branch lines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Statistics.
Twenty-two branch lines have been temporarily closed by Córas Iompair Éireann in the present year. Of these, three have been reopened for all traffic and seven for limited services, leaving 12 still closed. The company have acted under the provisions of Emergency Powers (Córas Iompair Éireann) (Reduction of Railway Services) Order, 1944, as continued in force by the Supplies and Services (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1946.
Two hundred and twenty-one members of the staff have been displaced. Alternative employment has been found for 183; 16 were retired on pension or resigned voluntarily on grounds of illhealth. Twenty-two with less than three years' service were paid off.
In view of the chaotic position of the transport industry, especially in the areas where branch lines have been closed or partially closed and especially in view of the Minister's unsatisfactory answer and statements made by directors of Córas Iompair Éireann in the last few days, I propose with your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, to raise this point on the adjournment.
Arising out of the Minister's reply does the Minister also recognise the acute hardship which the people in the Westport-Achill area are suffering because no public transport is available notwithstanding the fact that when that branch line was taken up they were promised transport equally good as that which was provided by the Great Western Railway?
I did not put a stop to transport from Westport to Achill.
You did not but Córas Iompair Éireann is responsible to you.
The Deputy may have read in the newspapers that a transport strike is in progress.
I did, but the Minister has a duty to these people.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of main line stations closed down, by Córas Iompair Éireann, in 1947 to date; and the number of staff displaced by reason of the closing down of these stations.
Eighteen main line stations have been closed by Córas Iompair Éireann during 1947. One station has been reopened for all traffic and ten for certain traffic. Twenty-seven employees have been displaced. I am informed that alternative employment has been found for 19, four were retired on pension and four were paid off.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the salary at which the chairman of the Great Southern Railways, appointed by him, held office in 1942; and also the present salary, remuneration, and allowance payable to the chairman of Córas Iompair Éireann.
Under the provisions of Emergency Powers (No. 152) Order, 1942, the Government appointed the chairman of the Great Southern Railways Company, with effect as from the 24th February, 1942, at a salary of £2,500 per annum. This appointment ceased when the Transport Act, 1944, came into operation on the 1st January, 1945.
The functions of the Minister for Industry and Commerce in regard to Córas Iompair Éireann are set out in the Transport Act, 1944. Under that Act I have no function in regard to remuneration of the chairman or any member of the board, other than that contained in sub-section (10) of Section 39, which provides that if the Minister for Industry and Commerce is of opinion that the remuneration of the chairman is insufficient he may, after consultation with the Minister for Finance, direct that such remuneration shall be increased. I have not taken any action under this section.
Is it not a fact that the salary paid to the chairman is subject to the sanction of the Minister——
No.
——and does the Minister say that he is not officially acquainted with the salary at present paid to the chairman?
It is not subject to the sanction of the Minister.
And the Minister knows nothing about it?
I have no official information.