asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is now in a position to make a statement on the question of the future of public transport in County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Public Transport.
The question of public transport in County Donegal was discussed by my predecessor with our nominees on the G.N.R. Board. The board undertook to consider the question and to submit a report. This report is still awaited. I am, accordingly, not in a position to make a statement.
I think that, some six or seven months ago, the Minister gave a somewhat similar reply. The uncertainty in regard to the future of transport in Donegal is having an effect which is not to the benefit of the people of the county. I would ask the Minister to use his good offices in an endeavour to get the report in question as soon as possible. Would the Minister also suggest, if there is to be a change in the county transport system, that one thing that could be done with benefit to all concerned is——
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking the Minister if he would bear these views to the people concerned. At the moment, there is a line running to Ballybofey which, formerly, was a broad gauge. I would ask the Minister to try to get that broad gauge brought into operation——
The Deputy is making a speech.
This is a complicated problem. Many interests will have to be consulted in regard to the transport problems in Donegal. The board were asked by my predecessor in office to examine and report on the matter. So far, I have not received the report. I have asked the board to do what is possible to expedite the submission of the report. When the report is received, it will be examined with expedition.