asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Córas Iompair Éireann has reduced frequency on certain bus routes in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire, and that this has caused hardship to the public, particularly at this period of the year, and if he will take steps to have the former schedule restored.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Bus Routes.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Córas Iompair Éireann bus section have notified, through the public Press, that it is their intention to curtail certain bus services in the city; and, if so, if he will state if Government approval has been given to the proposal; and, if not, if he will order the cancellation of the curtailment of the services and have a separate balance sheet for the Dublin bus services published.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 37 and 38 together.
I am aware that Córas Iompair Éireann have given notice of certain reductions in the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire bus services. The position is that the statutory powers previously exercisable by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in regard to the adequacy of the public transport services were removed by the Transport Act, 1950, which placed full responsibility on the board of Córas Iompair Éireann for providing an efficient, economical, convenient and properly integrated system of public transport, and which also imposed on the board the duty of securing that the revenue of the undertaking shall be not less than sufficient to meet the charges properly attributable to revenue.
The results of the operation of their road passenger services are published by Córas Iompair Éireann in the annual accounts. I would not feel justified in asking the board to compile accounts in respect of separate sections of their omnibus services.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister has not answered the last two lines of my question —"if he will order the cancellation of the curtailment of the services and have a separate balance sheet for the Dublin bus services published?"
I think the Deputy must not have heard me. I answered both questions.
Mr. Byrne
A separate balance sheet for the Dublin bus services should be published.
I have answered both questions as the Deputy will see if he reads the reply.
Mr. Byrne
I am not satisfied with the answer and with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.
My reply is that I have no responsibility in the matter.
Courtesy is your middle name. You would not answer Deputy Byrne.
I have answered him twice.
Mr. Byrne
I have given notice that I intend to raise this matter on the adjournment.
I will communicate my decision to the Deputy.