asked the Minister for Finance if he would consider extending the time from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. for motor cars crossing the Border during the summer season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Motor Traffic.
I should like to remind the Deputy that several substantial concessions have been made in this matter already. In the first place the hours for free traffic were some years ago extended from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and in the next place the normal charge for the special attendance of an officer outside the free hours was reduced to a flat rate of 2/- per motor car. These changes involved increased expenditure. The change suggested by the Deputy would involve similar results; and in view of the small hardship to motorists which the present arrangements cause I regret that I am unable to authorise the concession.
In view of the fact that the increased tax on petrol will help the revenue could the Minister see his way to pay the little extra expenditure that would be required during the summer months? In view of the fact that summer-time is not recognised by the farming community in the district, would the Minister consider this proposal? Nine o'clock is considered only as 7.30 there.
As a matter of fact with a view to considering another modification, somewhat different from that asked for by the Deputy, I am getting information as to the amount of traffic. I do not know exactly at present the amount of traffic which takes place during this hour.