asked the Taoiseach whether in view of the grave importance of the issue involved he will reconsider his decision to refuse to meet a representative deputation regarding the proposed closure of the south and west Cork railway system.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South and West Cork Railways.
3.
The Transport Act, 1958, empowers Córas Iompair Éireann to terminate any train service provided the Board is satisfied that its operation is uneconomic and that there is no prospect of its continued operation being economic within a reasonable period. The Act also imposed on the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann the obligation to conduct the undertaking so as to eliminate losses within a five year period.
In the circumstances it would be inappropriate for me to meet a deputation regarding the proposed closure of the West Cork Railway system. Any representations it is desired to have considered in this matter should be addressed to the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann.
Will the Taoiseach agree that his attitude to a question of such vital importance to a large section of our people is repugnant to the fundamental principles of democracy?
I think it would be entirely wrong for me to suggest, by meeting a deputation in this connection, that I have either the power or the intention to override the decisions of the Board of C.I.E.
Will the Taoiseach further agree that a lot of public bodies in Cork have condemned the action of C.I.E., including members of the Taoiseach's Party on these bodies, and that they have requested the Taoiseach to receive a deputation to put forward their case against the closure of these railways?
Will the Taoiseach further agree that on the 8th May, 1958, as Minister for Industry and Commerce, during the passage of the Transport Bill of that year through this House, he gave an unqualified assurance to the House that deputations would be received from interested parties in areas where it was proposed to close railways? Is he now aware that not only has he himself refused to implement that definite assurance but that the Minister for Transport and Power has likewise refused to implement it and that members of the Board of C.I.E. have refused to implement it?
The power of effective and final decision in these matters rests with the Board of C.I.E. and it is to that authority that representations should be made.
With the indulgence of the Ceann Comhairle I shall quote for the Taoiseach his relevant statement——
Quotations may not be made at Question Time.
In view of your ruling, which I accept, and in view of the unsatisfactory and contradictory nature of the Taoiseach's statements in this House to-day—as compared with the statements made in the month of May, 1958—with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I should like to raise this question on the adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.