andMr. Norton asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce legislation to amend the Transport Acts which will have the effect of giving him power, after consultation with the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann, to give to the Board directions of a general character as to the exercise and performance by the Board of their function in relation to matters which appear to him to affect the national interest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Directions to CIE Board.
27.
I do not consider that amending legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputies is either necessary or desirable. I would refer the Deputies to the statement which I made on 13th July, 1961 on the occasion of the Estimates for my Department, concerning the functions of the Minister for Transport and Power in relation to the State bodies under his control.
In view of the fact that responsibility for the public interest in transport matters generally is vested in the Minister for Transport and Power, does he not think that he should have power to consult with the Board and, if necessary, to intervene where it is obvious that the public interest is affected? Further, is he aware that there is a provision such as that suggested in the question in the British Transport Acts?
I would suggest that the Deputy read the speech which I made on that occasion where he will find a full explanation of my powers and responsibility and how I exercise them and if the Deputy takes the occasion of the next Estimate, having read the statement, to make his observations, he will have a better opportunity than in the course of Question Time.
Will the Minister guarantee that there will be no bus strike in the meantime?
Does the Minister not think it desirable to have the power to consult with the Board of CIE in matters of public interest?
The Deputy is now enlarging the question. If he will read the statement——
I do not think I should have to read the statement. I am not trying to trip the Minister up——
——he will see that I have regular consultations with the Boards of all State companies in which I have an interest on matters of general Government policy, the implementation of legislation and the success of legislation and whether any new factors enter into the picture to suggest amending legislation. That was all clearly indicated in my speech and I should like the Deputy to read that statement. If he thinks I do not go far enough, that is a matter for debate.
Could the Minister say in respect of transport who is the custodian of the public interest?
The Minister for Transport and Power is the custodian, together with the Government who are responsible for legislation, and in the ultimate, the public, who supply the money——
When it is obvious that the public interest is affected, does the Minister not think that, as custodian, he should have intervened?
As I have said, this matter is far better discussed on the Estimate than by Parliamentary Question because the whole point is to what degree the Minister should enter into the day-to-day activities of the Board.
We do not want the Minister to intervene in the day-to-day activities or in the general administration of the Board but we would like him to intervene in matters of general policy when it is apparent to him that the public interest is affected.
If I thought the public interest was involved or if a very grave matter arose, I certainly would intervene.
It is a good job the Minister for Industry and Commerce intervened.
Surely it was a matter of public interest that a national bus strike was threatened?
In reply to that question, the Deputy will appreciate that at this juncture I do not wish to say anything, in view of the situation as it now stands.
What about last week, when the Minister did nothing?