andMr. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the retrograde steps toward the development of industry, agriculture and turf production, which would be taken by the curtailment of transport by vehicles over two tons unladen weight owned by firms operating their own transport, by restricting the radius of their activities to 20 miles from their place of registration and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Privately-Owned Lorries
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the proposal by Córas Iompair Éireann for the curtailment of the area of operation of privately owned lorries.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
The restriction of private road vehicles of over two tons unladen weight to a radius of operation of 20 miles was among the proposals made to me by the board of Córas Iompair Éireann in response to my request for their suggestions as to what action should be taken to secure more traffic for them and thus help them out of their financial difficulties.
As I indicated during the course of the debate in Dáil Éireann on 16th July last, I am by no means attracted to these proposals of Córas Iompair Éireann. I feel bound to consider them and to investigate fully the reaction to them. I have asked trade union interests to let me have their views and I have already received comments of a highly critical nature from various commercial and other interests. I must make it clear that no decision has been taken by the Government and that in consideration of the matter due regard will be had to all the various views which have been expressed. No restriction of this kind could, of course, be imposed without amending legislation.
Would the Minister consider the advisability of circulating to Deputies and Senators copies of the detailed proposals submitted to the Government by Córas Iompair Éireann?
The proposals referred to in this question have been published.
In detail?
They have been published as I received them.
Before the Minister makes up his mind on these proposals would he not consider it advisable to consult trade unions outside the circle he now consults — that is, the trade unions primarily concerned with rail and road transport — and would he not consider it advisable to consult also the business interests in the country before he takes a final decision?
I certainly intend to consult all interests affected.
Will the Minister consult the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture on the damage that may be done to the fishing industry in relation to these proposals?
I have received adequate representations from the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture in the matter.
Will the Minister consider temporarily recognising his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, and inquiring from him what, in his judgment, the result of these proposals will be in relation to this matter?
The Minister for Agriculture has not been reticent in expressing his views.