Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jun 1960

Vol. 52 No. 17

Business of Seanad.

An Cathaoirleach

I have received notice from Senator Stanford that, on the motion for the adjournment of the House tonight, he proposes to raise the following matter:—

"The fact that Córas Iompair Éireann has now terminated all rail services between 8.24 a.m. and 5.23 p.m. on five days of the week at five stations of the railway line between Dublin and Dún Laoghaire without complying with the conditions laid down in Section 19 (3) of the Transport Act of 1958, and has thereby caused considerable inconvenience to the public in that area."

I have ruled that this matter is not in order for discussion on the Motion for the Adjournment as there is no Ministerial responsibility involved.

The Senator has been communicated with in the matter.

Professor Stanford

Of course, I accept your ruling, Sir, but if the Minister for Transport and Power has no power to restrain the Board of our State-sponsored and tax supported company from flouting the law and the convenience of the public with such reckless audacity, it seems to me that this is a regrettable defect in our Governmental control.

An Cathaoirleach

We may not discuss the matter any further.

Professor Stanford

If C.I.E. loses an action in the courts in connection with this matter, as it well may, the taxpayers will have to pay the bill.