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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 27 Mar 1952

Vol. 130 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improvement of Córas Iompair Éireann.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will furnish particulars of the proposals submitted to him last year by the board of Córas Iompair Éireann for the more efficient and economical working of the company, whether he is aware that keen competition still exists between the rail and road sections of the system in suburban and certain provincial areas, whether he has accepted or rejected the proposals referred to and if he will request the board to postpone further dismissals of staff pending the coming into operation of whatever proposals may be sanctioned by him.

The responsibility for providing an efficient and economical system of public transport was placed on the board of Córas Iompair Éireann by the Transport Act, 1950. On taking up office I was informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that expenditure was exceeding revenue to an alarming extent, and that further large subventions from public funds would be required. I asked the board to submit to me a comprehensive report on various matters of policy, including any proposals in contemplation by them to reduce working costs and for reorganisation. The report indicated, inter alia, that the possibility of redundancy among the staff was being examined; that the substitution of diesel rail-cars for steam locomotives was expected to produce appreciable economies; that proposals for the abandonment of a number of branch lines, the development of railheads and the closing of intermediate stations, were under consideration; that spring and autumn road tours and a specialised heavy road haulage industry were being developed, and that experiments were proceeding in the use of turf-burning locomotives, reinforced concrete sleepers, etc. Proposals were also made in the report for the restriction of private commercial goods vehicles of two tons and over unladen weight to a radius of operation of 20 miles from the place of registration.

I am not aware of any keen competition existing between the rail and road services of the board.

I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that there have been no dismissals of staff.

Did the company, in its report, indicate the number of people that was expected to be redundant? Is the Minister aware that some of the people alleged to be redundant have already been paid off in the traffic department?

The board stated that since it was established they were investigating the possibility of redundancy amongst the staff and they have not reported to me that they have discovered any substantial redundancy.

In mid-December last the Minister indicated in this House, on a Supplementary Estimate, that he had these proposals under consideration. How long more will it take the Minister to decide the issues that were submitted to him by the board of Córas Iompair Éireann?

The great majority of the matters referred to for decision by me are matters for decision by the board.

Did not the Minister indicate that he had them under consideration? I have asked whether the Minister has accepted or rejected the proposals submitted to him.

The only proposal that would require legislative action is that relating to the construction of road transport and no decision has been made on that proposal yet

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