asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is a fact that he prevented the Great Southern Railways Company from augmenting its services to meet the pressure caused by the return of emigrants from Great Britain for Christmas; and if in future he will sanction the provision of extra accommodation at times when emigrants are returning to their homes in large numbers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Accommodation for Returning Emigrants.
The answer is in the negative. Augmented services were provided by the Great Southern Railways Company is so far as possible within the restricted supplies of fuel available to them. Sanction for the provision of extra services for a similar purpose at any future date must depend entirely on the fuel supply position which may then obtain.
Is the Minister aware that there is a strong rumour that his Department is responsible for preventing the Great Southern Railways from providing the necessary seating accommodation to convey these young men and women on their way home for the Christmas holidays, young men and women who are forced by this Government's policy to seek a livelihood outside the country? Does he not consider it the duty of the railway company to give those people suitable accommodation when they are coming back here for a holiday and also suitable accommodation when they are travelling from various parts of the country on their way to seek employment abroad? The least the Government should do is to see that such suitable provision is made.
I presume the Deputy is able to understand a plain statement. His statement is not correct. There were augmented services provided by the railway company for those workers.
Adequate provision was not made for those who were returning in December.
The Deputy should make some inquiries about such matters before he asks a Parliamentary question.
The way those people were treated was a disgrace. They were treated like swine.