asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of requests received by him to have a public enquiry into the running of the Westland Row to Bray railway services; the dates on which such requests were made to him; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Bray Railway Services.
23.
Mr. Ryan
I received, on 17th May, 1960, a request for the holding of a public sworn enquiry into the management and finances of the Dublin/Greystones railway line. I replied on 31st May, 1960, to the effect that I was satisfied that C.I.E. are carrying out the intentions of the legislature as expressed in the Transport Act and that I could not agree that there was any case for such an enquiry. I received a similar request on 18th July, 1960, to which I propose to reply in the same terms.
Mr. Ryan
Will the Minister make available the material on which C.I.E. made a decision that this railway service could not be economically operated?
Under the Transport Act, 1958, C.I.E. is not required to make available such evidence. If the Minister is satisfied that the terms of the 1958 Act are observed and that the results are not contrary to the economic interests of the nation, it would be quite unreasonable to expect C.I.E. to provide such evidence.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister not agree that those disgruntled by the action of C.I.E. are reasonable people and that if the material were made available to them they might accept the decision of C.I.E.? It would help if the material were made available.