asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has now received a full copy of the transcript of the RTE programme "Prime Time" which concerned itself with the commuter race in Dublin and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - RTE Programme.
29.
I have not received a copy of the transcript of the RTE programme referred to and I do not consider it appropriate to make a statement on it.
I would, however, refer the Deputy to my speech in the House on 14 March 1979 in which I referred to my concern about the question of passenger transport facilities in the Dublin area and to the examination which is in train in this regard with a view to alleviating the problems of traffic congestion and the difficulties which this causes for commuters and other road users.
In view of the fact that RTE got such a response to their programme that they ran it a second time did any of the Minister's officials see it the second time it was shown on television and give a report to him or his Minister of State?
That is a separate question.
I have seen a report on it but I do not see any particular reason why I should comment on it, or else I would have to comment on every report which appears in the media in relation to tourism and transport or posts and telegraphs.
Arising out of the Minister's reply that he does not see any reason for it, does he not think that it provides additional information and argument that he should make a rapid decision on the transportation proposals before him? He should not continue to fob them off as he has done today.
I do not need to get that kind of report to know that there is serious congestion in Dublin city. The Deputy can be assured that the Government are examining this and I hope to have a decision in a reasonably short time.
I am calling Question No. 31. With the permission of the House, perhaps we could deal with that question.
I should like to put one more supplementary on Question No. 30. We have frequently asked this Minister questions in relation to the transportation proposal. We do not wish to take up the time of the House. All of us who represent Dublin constituencies are under enormous pressures with regard to traffic and the Minister must realise that. When may we expect a positive decision from the Government?
The Government are considering the matter. I have already told the Deputy that we are dealing with very large sums of money—at the moment £42 million in relation to the BrayHowth proposal and £220 million in 1978 prices on rail rapid transit system. We must ensure that whatever system we decide on will be most effective in relation to congestion of which I am fully aware.
The longer the Government leave it, the greater the sums of money involved.
I realise it is not an easy decision but I should like the Minister to say will it be one year or five years.
Very much less than one year in the case of the Howth-Bray line.