asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is yet in a position to reply to my letter of the 8th April last on the subject of the increased bus fare for school children in Cork and if he has anything further to add to his reply to my Parliamentary Question of the 25th May last on the same subject.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Children's Bus Fares.
I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that they have restored the 1d. fare on the Cork City services for school children travelling between their homes and school from noon to 2.30 p.m. The company's examination of the general question of children's fares has not yet been completed.
Is the Minister not aware that this reduction has been in operation since last Monday week and that the Minister for Education conveyed that information to the Cork Chamber of Commerce? Has the Minister any explanation why a letter from an elected representative of the people here could not be answered since 8th April, when other self-appointed people could be answered?
Is the Deputy objecting to the reduction?
The Deputy objects to not getting a reply. Is there any particular reason why he did not get a reply?
The Deputy is disappointed because there has been a reduction.
The Deputy has asked a definite question. Am I not going to get an answer? This information could be published in the Cork papers, having been sent by the Minister for Education to the Cork Chamber of Commerce. Can the Deputy get no satisfaction?
That is not a question for the Chair.
Is it not a mean type of propaganda?
The Chair expresses no opinion on the matter.
There is no desire on my part or on the part of my Department to be discourteous to the Deputy in any way.
In your reply a while ago you were very discourteous.
If the Deputy wants an explanation why his letter was not answered, I will be prepared to give it.
I am very sorry you did not give it at first.
All I can say is this, that certain members of the House apparently are not able to appreciate when an apology is offered.
Did I understand the Minister to say that the restoration of the penny fare for children has been in operation between noon and 2.30 p.m.?
Yes.
Does the Minister not realise that these hours are of no practical benefit to schoolgoing children?
May I refer both Deputies to the latter part of the reply:-"The company's examination of the general question of children's fares has not yet been completed"?