asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the priority list now in operation by his direction for goods transported by Córas Iompair Éireann and other transport companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Priorities.
Córas Iompair Éireann are at present required to give priority to the following descriptions of goods:— Coal for railway purposes, beet, turf and cut timber for fuel, agricultural seeds, manures, grain and grain products, bread, potatoes, coal for industrial purposes, petroleum products, butter, eggs, milk, cream, meat, fish, poultry, live stock and groceries. Similar directions have not been issued to the other transport companies.
Am I to take it that the order of priority is as the Minister has read it out?
The company is required to give priority to these goods over all other goods.
The Minister has not mentioned live stock?
I have mentioned live stock.
Will the Minister say if there has been an Order issued denying to private users the right to use vehicles for the haulage of winter fuel and is he aware that vast quantities of turf are left in various parts of the country as it cannot be taken in for the reason I have mentioned?
I am not so aware and, in any event, it is a separate question.
It seems to me it is in direct contradiction of the priorities mentioned by the Minister.
Will the Minister say if, inside the list he has mentioned, there are further priorities?
No.
The Minister has left live stock at the end of his priority list.
The priority which the company is required to give is in respect of these goods over all other classes of goods.
What about the shortage of wagons at Tuam fair?
Are the goods given any particular place in the list, or are they all treated as being on the same level?
I would regard it as an obligation on the company to carry the goods required here in preference to carrying goods for export.