asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the hardships caused to Dublin citizens through the increase in bus fares as the increase has added five to six shillings per week to the outgoings of tenants being transferred by the Dublin Corporation Housing Department to housing areas in Finglas, Ballyfermot, Donnycarney, Crumlin, Kimmage, Larkhill, Ellenfield, Cabra and Dollymount, and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Bus Fares.
By the Transport Act, passed in 1950, a statutory obligation was imposed on Córas Iompair Éireann to secure that the revenue of the board should be not less than sufficient to meet the charges properly chargeable to revenue. Also, by that Act, the control formerly exercised by the Minister for Industry and Commerce over the maximum charges of Córas Iompair Éireann was removed. The extent and incidence of the fare increases imposed by Córas Iompair Éireann are accordingly matters in which I have now no statutory function.
The decision to increase rates and fares generally was taken by Córas Iompair Éireann in January last and was communicated to the Dáil in reply to a Parliamentary Question by Deputy Liam Cosgrave, former Parliamentary Secretary, on the 14th February. I am not aware of the considerations which induced the board to delay bringing the increases into operation until September 10th. I am, however, informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that the additional revenue will not be nearly sufficient to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure.
The single bus fare between the city and most of the places mentioned in the question has been increased by 1d. Similar increases have been imposed on other routes. The fares between the city and the housing areas have in the past been on a lower level than the fares for corresponding distances on other city routes and I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that this position has been maintained.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that Dublin is carrying more than its fair share of transport charges in order to contribute towards meeting the losses incurred in other parts of the country? Is it right or proper that the people who are sent out from the centre of the city to the new housing areas should be called upon to pay more than their share of that charge? I would ask the Minister to ensure that these housing areas will be exempt from these extra charges.
I fully appreciate the fact that the present charges for transport in the City of Dublin constitute a hardship on many people. The company has been under an obligation to increase expenditure very considerably.
Mr. Byrne
Not in Dublin.
Not in Dublin certainly, but there have been increased expenses all over and in the circumstances it does not seem likely that any reduction in fares will be possible in the near future. If it should be possible I shall be very glad to take measures to secure it.
Does the Minister agree it is unfair to ask the working population of Dublin to subsidise Córas Iompair Éireann?
And the Deputy was responsible for that measure.
Mr. O'Higgins
The present Minister was responsible.
To give his brother a job.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will recommend to Córas Iompair Éireann the introduction of specially reduced fares for workers and school children in Dublin.
Córas Iompair Éireann already grant specially reduced fares to school children both in Dublin and the other cities. Children between the ages of three and 15 years are charged half the adult fares at all times and children between the ages of 15 and 16 years are charged half the adult fares during school hours. A 1d. fare is charged between 12 noon and 2 p.m. for all children up to the age of 16 years travelling between school and home for distances not exceeding the 4d. adult stage.
I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that the question of the introduction of workers' fares has been fully considered by the board and that it was decided that the suggestion was impracticable. I understand, however, that omnibus fares between the corporation housing areas and the city are lower than the fares charged for corresponding distances on other routes.
Would the Minister ask Córas Iompair Éireann to reconsider the position and to examine into the question as to how transport authorities in other cities in England and elsewhere are able to institute a special workmen's fare?
Córas Iompair Éireann were asked to consider the position and presumably they had all that information before them when doing so.
If it is practicable in other cities, why is it not practicable here?