Vol. 255 No. 12
andMr. Donnellan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the consultants' report on CIE contains any recommendations in regard to the closing of railway lines; if so, if he will give particulars; and if he will indicate his attitude in the matter.
18.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the consultants' report on CIE recommends the closing of certain railway lines; and if he favours this recommendation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.
Until the consultants' report on CIE in its final format will have been examined fully in my Department, I will not be in a position to comment on it.
As I indicated to the House last week, I hope to have the published report available for discussion in October.
Is it a fact that the report recommends the closing of certain railway lines?
The report can be fully debated by the public and by this House when it is available after Government consideration.
Will the Minister say at this stage if it recommends the closing of railway lines?
I do not intend to say anything until we can have a sensible discussion.
Will Government decisions have been taken in regard to the report prior to its publication?
The Deputy can be assured that the report will be published as presented to me.
Will the Government have taken any decisions in relation to the implementation of the proposals contained in the report prior to its publication?
Any decisions taken by the Government will have to come before this House for consideration and debate. That is how Parliament works.
Can the Minister give an assurance that no decision will be taken until the report is published?
The Deputy should know how Parliament works.
I am asking you a straight question. Will you answer it?
I do not intend to answer a question asked in that manner. The Deputy should behave himself.
