asked the Minister for Transport if the Government will give a commitment that the present railway system will be retained in its entirety and that new passenger carriage rolling-stock will be provided.
15.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway System Improvement.
13.
andMr. Deasy asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on reports that CIE have placed orders for new rail carriages in Germany; the reason these carriages are not being built at the Inchicore Works in Dublin; and if he will clarify the present and future position of rail-coach building at Inchicore.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 15 together.
As regards the future of the railway, the Deputy will be aware that the McKinsey Report has just been published and that the Government have invited public debate on its contents before decisions are taken. In the meantime I would envisage that the provision of rail coaches at Inchicore will be necessary. The scope and extent of activities involved will depend on decisions to be taken by the Government on the long term role of the railway.
With regard to the Howth-Bray suburban line, I understand that CIE have placed orders with a German supplier for the necessary rolling stock to ensure that the new electrified service can be introduced on schedule early in 1983.
Does the Minister accept that what he has now disclosed to the House, that the order for the coaches has gone to Germany, is in total breach of the assurances given to me, the unions and the workers by the board of CIE? Would he explain why this has happened? Would he agree that it has happened because the Government have refused to give CIE the necessary capital and go ahead for the coach building at Inchicore?
I would not accept what the Deputy has said. I am not aware of what assurances the chairman of CIE gave to him or anyone else. I have stated the position clearly as far as the Government are concerned.
Is the Minister aware of newspaper reports which indicate that assurances were given to many unions? Will he comment on his reaction to such assurances being breached?
I am aware of various press reports. I do not have them all in front of me but, perhaps if I had, some of them might give a different version altogether to what Deputy Mitchell is saying.
What is the value of the contract placed with the German coach builders?
I do not have that information with me.
Will passenger railway carriages be built at Inchicore and, if so, when will the work start?
I envisage that the provision of rail coaches at Inchicore will be necessary.
When?
As soon as decisions have been taken in relation to the future operation of the railway. It is unrealistic to expect that anyone would set up a production line without quantifying the amount of production needed. I have stated that I envisage that rail coaches will be necessary.
Is the Minister giving a commitment now that rail coach building will recommence at the Inchicore works and, if so, when?
The answer to the first part of the question is "yes". As soon as we can quantify what the requirements are the work will start.
Why was it necessary to order these coaches in Germany when the necessary skill and expertise exists in Inchicore and has been unemployed for the past number of years?
I am not fully aware of the extent of the skills at Inchicore.
The Minister should be.
A final supplementary from Deputy Deasy.
I am not aware that the technology is there for the manufacture of electric traction coaches.
The Minister would not make a decision to give them the money.
The 1980 capital estimates clearly identify money for the electrification of the Howth-Bray line and in 1981——
We are paying the Germans.
Will Deputy Deasy ask a final supplementary or I will pass on to the next question.
This is a case of job creation in Germany.
This year £49 million——
It means job losses in Inchicore. It is a disgrace.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister to answer the next question.
Last year there was £25 million and a capital allocation to CIE——
(Interruptions.)
Dr. FitzGerald rose.
I asked Deputy Deasy to ask a supplementary and he did not do so. I will allow these questions but it is the last time I will do so. I should like to make it clear that when I call on a Deputy to ask a question he should do so and it is disorderly for someone else to ask a question when I call on a particular Deputy.
The first part of Question No. 13 refers to a commitment. I am asking the Minister to give a commitment that the present railway system will be retained in its entirety. Can the Minister give such a commitment?
The McKinsey Report has been published for public debate and discussion. When that is over the Government will take decisions on it. I did not hear any comment from Fine Gael about what they thought of McKinsey so far.
Deputy FitzGerald.
We would like to hear the Minister's comments. He has had it since last December.
I should like to ask the Minister——
I would welcome their comments.
The Government are supposed to govern.
(Interruptions).
Is there any way of controlling the Minister?
I have difficulty in controlling both sides of the House. Would the Deputy now ask a question?
Can the Minister give an estimate of the number of new jobs to be created in Germany by this order?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy wishes he can put it down and I will answer it.
All the emphasis has been on the restructuring of the electric train systems in Dublin. Has the Minister any plans to replace some of the Wanderly Wagon coaches we have running down the country?
I have already answered that.
On a point of order, due to the totally unsatisfactory nature of the replies and in view of the total breach of confidence——
That is not a point of order.
I wish to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.