asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, as Córas Iompair Éireann have decided to close a large number of branch lines, he will now abolish or extend the mileage maximums on licensed hauliers' vehicles.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Merchandise Licences.
19.
Under the provisions of the Transport Acts, extensions to existing merchandise licences may be granted where transport facilities in an area are inadequate and I am of the opinion that the required facilities can be provided more effectively and conveniently by a person other than an authorised (merchandise carrying) company, that is to say, CIE.
As it is the intention of CIE to provide adequate substitute road services wherever a branch line may be closed, the statutory conditions for extending merchandise licences are unlikely to be fulfilled.
Is the Minister aware that when CIE issue a temporary licence to a haulier, they take 7½ per cent., or sometimes 10 per cent., of his total earnings? Does this seem equitable seeing they cannot provide this rush period traffic themselves?
That is another question.