asked the Minister for Transport and Power if in view of doubts as to his functions raised in the minds of Members both by his answers to Parliamentary Questions and by the fact that such a large number of Parliamentary Questions to him are disallowed by the ruling of the Ceann Comhairle he will now give the House a definite account of his powers and functions in relation to (a) Córas Iompair Éireann, (b) Aer Lingus, Aerlinte and Aer Rianta and (c) the Electricity Supply Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Powers and Functions of Minister for Transport and Power.
44.
My powers and functions in relation to State-sponsored bodies derive from the relevant legislation, particulars of which are set out in the Transport, Fuel and Power (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Orders, 1959, 1960 and 1961. I would also refer the Deputy to the statement on the control exercised by me in relation to State-sponsored bodies which I made in the House on 13th July, 1961 in the course of my reply to the Debate on the Vote for my Department (Dáil Debates, Volume 191, No. 6, Columns 909-915).
I asked the Minister a question concerning a statement he made last week. Will the Minister tell us now is the figure he then mentioned of 40,000 passengers an official estimate?
(Interruptions).