asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what progress, if any, has been made by C.I.E. in the development of a modern turf fuelled locomotive, and if he will ask that company and Bord na Móna to collaborate urgently in undertaking the design of such a locomotive.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Use of Home-Produced Fuel.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the international situation and of the adverse balance of payments position. he will state what steps C.I.E. are taking to economise in the use of imported fuels and to substitute home-produced fuels for rail traction.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
I am informed by C.I.E. that it is hoped that a locomotive which will be capable of using either turf or oil will be completed and ready for trial early in the New Year. Bord na Móna are aware of the steps taken by C.I.E. in the matter and have been consulted specifically in relation to the size and quality of the turf to be used.
The change-over to diesel traction on the C.I.E. railway system has already resulted in a substantial saving to C.I.E. in expenditure on imported coal. The need, in present circumstances, for exercising rigid economy in the use of imported oil fuels applies to C.I.E. in common with other concerns. C.I.E. are at present considering the best means of effecting economies with the least inconvenience to the public.
In view of the very great length of time that has elapsed since C.I.E. first undertook the task of designing and constructing a turf-burning engine, will the Minister now impress upon them the urgency of proceeding with this project more rapidly? It is going on for about three years at least.
In view of the subject matter of Questions Nos. 8, 9 and 10 on the Order Paper, is it not clear to the Tánaiste that Deputy MacBride has a very poor opinion of the ability and foresight of the Government in this matter?
That is an entirely different matter.
There must be a cure for this somewhere.
The only cure is to get you out. Then we shall not have these obvious things put down on the Order Paper in order to spur up the Government.