asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state (1) the number of workers employed by Córas Iompair Éireann on permanent way maintenance on 1st January, 1949, and on the latest date in the present year for which comparable figures are available; (2) the branch lines, if any, which have been reopened for traffic since 1st January, 1949, and (3) the percentage increases since that date in (a) rail freight; (b) rail passenger; (c) road freight, and (d) road passenger charges.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Affairs.
The number of workers employed by Córas Iompair Éireann on permanent way maintenance on 1st January, 1949, was 2,064; the corresponding figure on 4th March, 1951, was 1,990. No branch lines have been reopened for traffic since 1st January, 1949. Rail and road freight charges have not been increased since that date. As from 1st May, 1949, rail passenger fares, except season and traders' tickets, were increased by 16? per cent. in the case of single fares and by 8? per cent. in the case of return fares. In Dublin City bus fares were increased as from 28th March, 1949; the existing 1d. and 1½d. fares were increased to 2d. and other fares generally by 1d. Similar increases were brought into operation in Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway city areas on 2nd May, 1949. Provincial bus fares were increased by approximately 16? per cent. as from 2nd May, 1949.
In view of the declared intention of the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the Transport Act, 1950, was under discussion, can the Parliamentary Secretary give any explanation for the decrease in employment on railway maintenance?
I think it is due to normal wastage. As the Deputy will know, the decrease is a very slight one.
Was it not intended that substantial additional work upon permanent way maintenance would be undertaken? When will that work start?
I do not think it necessarily follows that the work would require additional men.