asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the recommendations of the McKinsey Report on CIE have been adopted; and, if so, if he will indicate the effect of these recommendations on the employment content in CIE.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - McKinsey Report.
44.
As indicated in my announcement on 14th March, 1974, the Government have decided that the railway system should continue to be preserved subject to further concentration and reorganisation in accordance with the general concepts outlined in the McKinsey Report on CIE as developed in further studies made by the board. CIE are now proceeding with a programme of reorganisation and development within the framework of the Government's decision.
I have been informed by CIE that implementation of the reorganisation and development programme will enable the board to release approximately 1,800 staff over a period of five to six years. It is envisaged that the displacement of staff can largely be met by normal wastage. There will be no involuntary redundancy. The major changes will occur in the large urban centres, which at present experience the greatest staff turnover and where the opportunity for staff redeployment is greatest.
I have also been informed by CIE that there will be special retraining and resettlement programmes designed to facilitate the absorption of rail staff into other CIE activities. Full consultation is taking place with the trade unions and staff concerned with a view to devising mutually acceptable approaches to the solution of any manpower problems that may arise.
Do I take it that it is categorically on record now from the Minister that there will be no involuntary redundancies as a result of this reorganisation?
Yes, but it was on record sometime before this.
Is it envisaged closing the line from Limerick to Ballina?
That is a separate question.