asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in order to ensure continuity of employment, he will request C.I.E. to reconsider their present policy of replacing timber wagons by steel ones.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E: Wagon Replacements.
The type of wagon to be used by C.I.E. is entirely a matter for the board to whom the Deputy's representations should be addressed.
Is the Minister aware that 75 wagon makers in Limerick will at some future date become redundant and, in fact, 200 employees in all, including sawyers and labourers connected with the wagon building industry will eventually suffer due to the policy of C.I.E. in manufacturing steel wagons? Is the Minister further aware that great waste of public money is taking place due to the policy of C.I.E. because many timber wagons are scrapped for the sake of the expenditure of some £5 or £6? Is the Minister aware that I could cite specific cases where for the sake of 16ft. × 12ft. × 4ft. sole bars, some six to eight wagons were scrapped? Is the Minister further aware——
The Deputy is making a very long speech by means of questions. I cannot allow that.
As I explained, these are all questions which should be addressed to C.I.E., which, under the relevant legislation, has the responsibility of deciding what type of wagons will be used on the system. I may mention for the Deputy's information and to correct the erroneous impression under which he appears to suffer, that there is as much employment given in making steel carriages and wagons as there is in making timber ones and that far from there being a curtailment of employment in Limerick there is likely to be much more employment given by C.I.E. in the Limerick area. If the Deputy will make further inquiries he should be in a position to confirm what I am now saying.
Is the Minister aware that I do not agree with what he says? The chairman of C.I.E., when he was approached by representatives of the Amalgamated Society of Woodworkers, stated that the reason steel wagons were being used at that time was because no long lengths were available for the upper structure of the wagons. Would the Minister put inquiries in hand with C.I.E. and use his good offices to have the whole question reconsidered? In fact, we would be satisfied if, in regard to any wagons that can be reasonably repaired, that would be done?
I am aware the Deputy does not agree with what I say but I am satisfied at the same time that if he makes further inquiries he will agree with what I say. The Deputy is under a misapprehension in putting these supplementary questions because they are not based on facts or on any reasonable forecast as to what the employment position will be at Limerick with C.I.E.; neither is he aware of the fact that the employment in the building of steel wagons and coaches is as good as the employment provided in producing timber wagons or coaches.