asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state from what country supplies of plastic rock have been imported for use by Córas Iompair Éireann and whether an allocation of dollars was necessary for its purchase.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Plastic Rock.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
An allocation of 1,040 dollars was made available to Córas Iompair Éireann for the purchase of plastic rock from the United States of America. An expenditure of 860 dollars has been incurred and this has provided material for use on 90 buses. The financial saving in using this material is estimated by Córas Iompair Éireann at £4 13s. 6d. per vehicle. It is not because of this small economy that the change was made, but because the plastic rock has been found from experience to have exceptional qualities and, being skid-proof, hard-wearing and waterproof, it is particularly suitable for use on buses.
It would, in my opinion, be a retrograde step to prohibit the development of new methods which make for the greater convenience and safety of the travelling public and, in any event, I would have no power to do so.
Would the Minister say that plastic rock is not used on new buses that are being made here now?
I am not aware that is so. My information is that the expenditure of 860 dollars has been incurred to provide material for use on 90 buses, but it does not say whether they are new or not.
Would the Minister take it from me that no plastic rock is used on new buses, and that it is only used on the repair of buses? If that is so, would the Minister consider for a time at least discontinuing the use of plastic rock which caused the strike or lock-out affecting over 500 people?
I have neither the desire nor authority to do any such thing.
Question No. 50 refers mainly to the strike or lock-out. Is the Minister aware that there was a suggestion at the Labour Court to the effect that if the officer of the company had not ordered unskilled labour—
Are we going to discuss the merits of the strike?
The Deputy may not.
I merely ask if the Minister would intervene to the extent of leaving in abeyance the use of plastic rock until the union has settled the question of whether it is skilled or unskilled labour.
I have nothing whatever to do with it. I have no function in the matter. It is entirely a matter for the company.
In view of the fact that at the moment a Bill dealing with transport is going through the Oireachtas, and also that relations between the Minister and the company seem to be most harmonious, would the Minister suggest to the chairman of the company that the use of this plastic rock might be discontinued until the Minister had an opportunity of investigating the matter?
I am anxious to preserve harmonious relations between the company and myself.