andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been drawn to the suggestion by the Chairman of CIE that bodies such as CIE should become more obviously accountable to the Government and to the public; that there was a tendency for people in his position to regard themselves as commissars, as heads of republics; whether the views of the Chairman have been considered by him; and whether amending legislation along the lines suggested is contemplated, and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Statement by Chairman of CIE.
15.
I understand that the reported statement in question represents the personal views of the Chairman of CIE. These views will be taken into account together with other relevant views in connection with forthcoming transport legislation.
Is it a fact that this statement of the Chairman of CIE was prompted by the fact that he no longer desires to be utilised as a scapegoat for Government policy and that he is highly critical of the fact that the Minister takes credit for anything good that is done in CIE while the Chairman is left to stew in his own juice for anything unpopular that is done?
That statement is ridiculous. There is the closest collaboration between myself and the chairmen of the different bodies that come under the general direction of my Department.
I take it the Minister proposes to bear in mind the views of the Chairman of CIE that this House should have more control over the policy of CIE? Will the Minister incorporate the statement of the Chairman of CIE in the new transport legislation which he is preparing?
That is a different matter.
What will the purpose of that new legislation be when it is a fact that we will neither have railways nor canals if the present Minister is left in office much longer?
That is a different matter altogether.