asked the Minister for Transport if it is intended to hold a Dáil debate on the McKinsey report; and, if so, when.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - McKinsey Report.
5.
asked the Minister for Transport the future plans he has for the railways and their development since the publication of the McKinsey report; and if he proposes to introduce legislation at an early date.
(Cavan-Monaghan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
It is my intention to have the McKinsey report on CIE debated in Dáil Éireann. While I would hope to have that debate in the not too distant future, I am not yet in a position to specify when it will take place. Pending the outcome of Government consideration of the report no decisions have been taken on future policy in relation to the railway and the question of legislation in relation to railway policy does not therefore arise at present.
Can the Minister tell the House the number of consultations which have taken place with the McKinsey consultants since the delivery of their report to the Minister for Transport?
(Cavan-Monaghan): I do not appear to have that with me. If the Minister were here himself he could probably tell the Deputy, but he is unavoidably absent because he is attending a European council meeting.
It is unfortunate that he is absent because that means we will not get a full answer to these questions. Is it true that the McKinsey consultants have been asked to revise their recommendations, and that is the reason for the delay in having a debate in Leinster House?
(Cavan-Monaghan): Not at all. That is not so. As the Deputy knows, the report was published in February 1981. As recently as last week, some of the more important responses, or representations, or comments, were received. That is what has held up the debate.
A final supplementary question.
Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Transport stated recently in public that the debate in Dáil Éireann on the McKinsey report would be taken before the Christmas recess? Would it not now seem that the Minister, through lack of commitment to a policy on the railways, their continuation or development, is deliberately stalling the debate in Leinster House?
(Cavan-Monaghan): That is not so. As I have already told the Deputy, the report was published in 1981. Comments on it were requested. Comments from the Irish Transport and General Workers Union were received as recently as last week. The report is being considered in the light of comments made and representations received. The debate will take place in due course and as soon as possible. It would be unrealistic to think the debate could be held before Christmas in view of the amount of work before the House.
The Minister said it would.
Is the Minister aware that in recent times CIE made it known that they have a proposal to close the railway line from Limerick to Rosslare? Does he deny that such a proposal exists?
(Cavan-Monaghan): That seems to be another question. It is a specific question on which I am not briefed.
The question asks about the future plans for the railways. Is the Minister aware of the situation I am talking about? Is he now saying there are no plans, while at the same time CIE are going ahead with their proposal?
I want to ask a question.
Ceist 7.
Let the Minister answer.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Obviously that is a separate question.
It is directly relevant to the question about the future plans for the railways.
The Minister is not denying the proposal to close down the Limerick to Rosslare railway.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am denying it. I have no knowledge of it. I have said that the whole matter will be considered in the light of the McKinsey report which will be debated in the House, and Deputies will have an adequate opportunity to express their views on it.
I am amazed at the Minister's reply. It was in the daily and provincial press and he says he is not aware of any such proposal.
One brief supplementary.
I am sorry Deputy, but it would develop into a debate. The debate will be held shortly.