asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that there is a widespread demand for a public inquiry into the affairs of CIE; if so, if he will agree to have such an inquiry held as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Inquiry.
14.
I am aware that the Fine Gael Party has requested a public sworn inquiry to investigate the management and operation of CIE. I should regard such an inquiry as both undesirable and unnecessary and detrimental to the interests of the company and its employees. I will make a statement on the matter when the Estimates for my Department come before the House at an early date.
Having regard to the reported losses of CIE, how could a public inquiry be more detrimental than the actual working of the present administration?
The Deputy is well aware that a public inquiry of this kind would be most detrimental to the staff and the company concerned. I have made a number of detailed statements on this matter——
What is there to hide?
——including the debate in the House and the Deputy may argue the case again on the Estimate.
An irresponsible proposal.
In view of the demand of the public what is there to hide? Why not hold the inquiry that has been requested by a responsible Party? Is the Minister deliberately cloaking the misdeeds of CIE?
(Interruptions.)
This is purely political gimmickry.
No, very far from it.
In further reply to the Deputy, there has been virtually no public comment of an adverse nature on the detailed statements I have made.
Are you living up in the moon?
Is the position that the request by a responsible——
Question.
——Opposition Party has now been refused and does this not mean a worse situation? In any normal democracy, if a responsible Party ask for an inquiry, it is given, not refused.
But this is an irresponsible proposal.
And who is to be the judge of that?
(Interruptions.)