andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the report of the survey of signals to determine visibility from the cabs of the diesel electric locomotives purchased in the United States of America is yet available; and, if so, whether the engines may now be driven in the public services in either direction, cab forward or cab rear, with complete safety to the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - C.I.E. Diesel Electric Locomotives.
14.
I am informed that the survey carried out by C.I.E. has now been completed and the results are being studied. In the meantime C.I.E. propose to continue to operate the locomotives in a cab forward position which raises no possible question of safety.
May I ask the Minister whether the inspector's report has disclosed that the purchasing commission's specifications required that these locomotives, costing £750,000, should be capable of being driven in reverse only? Was that the specification laid down?
I have no information on the subject.
May I ask the Minister whether the specification laid down by the Board was that these engines should be driven in reverse only?
There is no such thing as driving them in reverse only. They are locomotives which are capable of being driven cab forward or cab-rear.
May I ask the Minister whether the specifications of the Board provided that the locomotives should be driven cab forward or cab rear?
I have no information on the subject.
May I ask the Minister whether if it is found that these engines are not up to specification, provision is made whereby they can be returned?
The Deputy is totally misinformed on these engines. There is nothing to prevent them being used cab forward——
How can the Minister make that statement if he has not got the report of the investigation carried out? How can he say whether it is feasible or not?
The Deputy is again misunderstanding the position.
May I ask the Minister, as this is a matter of great public importance, involving locomotives costing £750,000, to clarify the position as to whether his last supplementary answer is correct, and to say whether in fact these engines are being used in both directions?
I have already made that clear in reply to a question.
That they are being used in both directions? Is it not a fact that they are being used in reverse only and that the Minister is condoning a public scandal by suppressing facts of this gross——
The Deputy should let the busines of the House proceed.
(Interruptions).
Is it not a fact that the Minister for Industry and Commerce was responsible for this blunder and that that is why he is trying to help out his colleague? This is a public scandal.
(Interruptions).
Both Ministers are condoning this——
The Deputy is talking sheer nonsense.
——spending of £750,000 by C.I.E.
The Deputy does not care where his mud lands. I had nothing whatever to do with it.
Now the Minister is trying to throw it over on to the Minister for Transport and Power.
That Minister is well able to shoulder his own responsibilities.
(Interruptions).
He does not shoulder any responsibilities.
It is a public scandal.