andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he intends to implement the recommendations of the Beddy Commission that a Transport Consultative Council be available for consultation by public and private transport organisations, by representatives of agriculture, industry and trade and by the trade unions, professional organisations and members of the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Consultative Council.
24.
This recommendation was very fully considered in connection with the amendment of the Transport Act, 1958 but it was decided not to implement it. I do not propose to alter that decision.
In view of the Minister's experience in the implementation and the working of that Act since 1958, would he not agree that the extraordinary mishandling of public relations and labour relations since that time is largely due to the fact that this recommendation was not implemented and will he reconsider his decision?
If the Deputy reads the recommendations, he will find that, contrary to what he thinks, the purpose of establishing this council was to deal with matters of general policy and watching the general development of transport which is the duty of my Department. Furthermore, I disagree with the Deputy's remarks regarding the mishandling of the public relations and labour relations of CIE.