asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that the mail boat sailed from Dún Laoghaire on Friday night, 29th April, 1960, having left behind a number of intending passengers; if so, if he will state (a) the total number who failed to obtain passage and (b) the number at (a) who had sailing tickets; and what action the Government propose to take to prevent a recurrence of this nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Passenger Services on Mail Boat.
10.
The number of intending passengers who were left behind at Dún Laoghaire on the night of Friday, 29th April, 1960, was 47. I am informed by British Railways that sailing tickets which are normally required for peak traffic sailings only were not required on this occasion when, it appears, the numbers presenting themselves were much higher than might have been expected by comparison with corresponding occasions in previous years. My Department in consultation with Bord Fáilte Éireann are pursuing the matter with British Railways with a view to obviating any possible recurrence.
As this occurrence took place on 29th April, so early in the year, would the Minister not consider it a very bad augury for the rest of the year and especially for the tourist season? In view of that, would he give a guarantee to this House that, if British Railways and other organisations concerned do not co-operate, alternative arrangements will be made by the Government to ensure that Irish people going to and fro between this country and Britain will get proper and suitable transport and that tourists will be catered for in like fashion?
This particular occurrence sets no precedent for what will happen. The number of persons travelling eastwards on the Friday before the Spring Show was far larger than anticipated. It bears no relation to the arrangements for peak traffic. The officers of my Department are in close touch at all times with officers of the British Transport Commission and with executive officers of the Midland Board of the British Transport Commission. I have been in touch with higher officers. In combination with Bord Fáilte, we do all we can to see that the services are improved.
Is it possible that alternative means of transport can be made available if British Railways fail at their end? Has the Minister any alternative in mind if such an event took place? Has the Minister any answer to that?
I have already given the answer to the Deputy that in the past few years the service has improved. Every step is taken to ensure that the service will improve each year. I have no reason to suppose it will be necessary to provide alternative transport during the summer season. If the service continues to improve in the manner in which it has improved, I cannot see any necessity to provide for an alternative means of transport.
Is it not a fact that every year complaints have been made about the conditions of travel and about the lack of accommodation, especially for Irish people coming from Britain and on their way back to Britain? Surely the Minister can give some guarantee now that the Government have an alternative in mind to transport these people if British Railways fail to come to their aid?
There has been a constant improvement. We are exercising maximum pressure with Bord Fáilte to see that the improvement continues further.
There is an alternative from Fishguard to Waterford and Cork.