asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when he proposes to introduce proposals for legislation for the regulation and control of inland transport; what organisations or transport interests he has interviewed in connection with the matter; whether he has interviewed any representatives of the employees engaged in transport; and whether he proposes to ascertain the views of transport workers as represented by their trade unions before introducing any proposals for legislation on the subject.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regulation and Control of Inland Transport.
I hope that it will be possible to have a first reading of legislation dealing with inland transport before the Dáil adjourns for the summer.
I have had interviews on the subject with representatives of the principal railway companies and of the Dublin United Tramways Company and have had informal conversations with representatives of some of the employees' trade unions. These interviews were for the purpose of hearing the views of other parties rather than of indicating my own. I shall use my discretion as to what further interviews, if any, I have before introducing the Bill.
Will the Minister say for what reason he officially consults with representatives of the boards of directors of the tramway company and the railway company and declines to discuss officially with the representatives of the workers engaged in those industries in a matter which involves their future livelihood?
I do not remember having declined to discuss it with them.
The Minister said that he sees that no useful purpose can be served by meeting a deputation representing the employees of the railway company.
I did not say that in reply to this question. I said it in answer to the preceding question which is an entirely different matter. The first question the Deputy asked was with regard to extending the period in which compensation might be paid for dismissals directly due to amalgamation. I refused a deputation on that. He now asks about a general question of transport. I do not remember having refused to see any deputation on that matter.
Does the Minister admit having sent a reply to the railway union stating officially that no useful purpose could be served by having such a discussion?
I do not remember that.
Does the Minister still believe that his railway amalgamation policy, without any effective control over road transport, can possibly save the railway company from bankruptcy, and is he prepared to take what the President referred to in 1925 "as the next best step"?
That is entirely apart from this question. The Deputy had better wait until he sees the transport legislation.
Do I understand that that Bill will be introduced before Friday?
I said that I proposed to take the first reading before the House adjourns.
Will the Minister inform the House as to when he proposes to circulate the Bill?
Not for very many weeks, and possibly months after that.