Asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will stateon what grounds a licence was granted for a bus service from Waterville to Cahirciveen to a local hackeny car owner in view of the fact that such a service has been efficiently operated for very many years by another local resident.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Bus Service.
The licence in question was granted on the grounds that additional and more up-to-date services were needed to meet the reasonable requirements of the travelling public on this route.
Is the Minister aware that not very many people travel on this route and that the granting of a licence to this man will throw the other man out of employment and that in fact, neither of the men will be able to earn any kind of a livelihood now?
That is not my information. My information is that a great deal more business will be available if more suitable vehicles are provided and more progressive business methods adopted.
What does the Minister mean by "more suitable vehicles"? What type of vehicle does the second man use?
My view is that the introduction of an element of competition is likely to secure an improvement, in any event.
When the Minister set up C.I.E., he did not allow any competition.
C.I.E. will not operate on this route.
This is the very same thing. The result will be that the first man will be put out of business and will have to emigrate.
Is the Minister aware that the man who obtained this licence carried on a successful hackney car service for several years? Is he further aware that were it not for the fact that he is a political opponent of Deputy Palmer, the Deputy would never have raised this question?
That is the real answer.
Is that not the reason he got the licence—because he is a pal of yours? You have given the whole show away for us—thank you.
Would it be possible for somebody to teach Deputy Flynn some manners so that he will not be continually interfering with other people?
Would it be in order for Deputy Flynn to answer Deputy Palmer's questions for the future?