asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is prepared to consider an application from Dublin Corporation to enable them to provide a limited bus service in Dublin City with a view to helping Dublin citizens, particularly corporation tenants residing on the perimeter of the city.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Bus Service.
34.
Having regard to the terms of the legislation relating to public road passenger transport services, I would feel myself precluded from granting a licence to Dublin Corporation to operate bus services as proposed.
I did not hear the last part of the answer clearly. That is why I want an amplifier here.
Having regard to the terms of the legislation relating to public road passenger transport services, I would feel myself precluded from granting a licence to Dublin Corporation to operate bus services as proposed.
Oh, "preclude", I heard the word this time. Is the Minister aware that transport services are operated by local authorities in Britain and they are able to give a good service? They give free transport to old age pensioners, half fares for school children and special fares for workers all because they use their profits to do that. We are being robbed to boost up ghost railways and empty buses. Twenty-five thousand people on the perimeter of the city are being robbed.
"Robbed" is the word.
The Corporation two years ago could not let dwellings and next year we will be faced with the same problem, the difficulty of letting houses on the perimeter because the people are not prepared to pay a shilling to and from their homes on the buses. They will return to Dublin.
Question No. 35.
He has no responsibility.
Organise your own buses; the Minister cannot stop you.
I think the Deputy exaggerates the position because I have made inquiries into the bus services in provincial cities in Great Britain and I find there is no great differential and in some cases the fares in Dublin are cheaper.
Not the amenities. The Minister referred to bus prices, but he did not refer to the amenities: the free service for old age pensioners and the cheap tickets for workers going to and from their employment.
In reply to the Deputy, maybe there are some facilities, but in the case of two cities I examined there were no cheap fares at all for schoolchildren.
There are big wages in England and they can afford to pay more but they give it back with the other hand by way of privileges to the underprivileged.
Question No. 35.
On a point of order, Sir, I may have to leave the House and I should like your permission to raise the subject matter of this question on the adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Sherwin.