asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the fact that restrictions have been placed on the movement of heavy vehicles on Sundays in Switzerland without undue delay to commercial activity, he will arrange for a similar experiment in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Heavy Vehicle Movement.
6.
No. Conditions are different here.
Can the Minister tell us what is the difference in the situation here and that in Switzerland?
During the period 1st April to 31st October there is a ban on vehicles in Switzerland between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in the period 1st November to 31st March. There is a ban on Sunday driving and public holiday driving also. The specific purpose of the ban is not clear. When the German and Swiss authorities were asked for the reason for their action they gave a number of reasons but none of which seemed to make much sense. I am not aware of what would happen here in similar circumstances but in these two other countries the situation is that on the termination of the periods during which traffic is banned, there is a heavy build up of vehicles. This means there is much traffic congestion on the roads.
Regarding the Minister's remarks on traffic congestion would he not agree that as a result of his colleague's announcement last night, we need have no worry about such a situation developing here?
The question does not deal with traffic congestion.
Perhaps, then, I should rephrase my question.
As the Deputy has taken over from Deputy Lemass, he should know what is contained in the question.
Has Deputy Fitzgerald a question?
Would the Minister not agree that such restrictions are entirely unnecessary since the action taken by the Minister for Finance will automatically control traffic?
Question No. 7, please.
Can the Minister say whether his last answer is an indication that he considers the regulations made by his counterparts in Switzerland and Germany to be foolish and ill-concieved, to use the Minister's own words?
I did not use those words.
The Minister used words to that effect.
I did not speak in those terms. I am very careful in my use of words.
The Minister was not so careful in his abuse of his counterparts in these other countries.
There is no need to engender heat in this matter.
I have not the faintest notion as to why these regulations were introduced and I do not have to be aware of the reason for their introduction.
Next question, please.
Surely the Minister should not make such remarks lightly. I do not think it would be his wish that the Ministers in Germany or Switzerland would make statements lightly about him.
Will the Deputy please allow Question Time to continue?