asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state why the Banagher to Clara branch line is included in the list of Córas Iompair Éireann branch lines to be closed, and furnish details of the traffic and business, including passenger traffic, on this line, and if it is correct that business has improved on this service in recent years; and, further, if he will arrange to meet a deputation representative of clergy and others from Ferbane, Clara and Banagher.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Branch Lines.
I would remind the Deputy that the statutory functions formerly exercisable by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in regard to branch railway lines were transferred by the Transport Act, 1950, to the Transport Tribunal established under that Act. A notice appeared in the public Press on 18th October indicating that Córas Iompair Éireann have applied to the tribunal for an order authorising the permanent discontinuance of train services between Clara and Banagher and inviting any body of persons desirous of objecting to the making of such order to send their objections in writing to the tribunal.
Is the Minister aware that it has been made impossible in this and other cases to work the branch lines at a profit because of the keen competition carried out by the road freight and cartage section of the same company? Is he aware that in this case the cream of the traffic in the last couple of years has been picked up by the road freight and cartage section and taken away from the rail section? Would this be allowed by any Government or body outside of a lunatic asylum?
By the Deputy's own vote the situation was created in law that the Minister for Industry and Commerce has now no function in these matters.
That is incorrect because the Minister inside the last few days has published a statement under his own authority admitting that he has discussed the detailed day-to-day working of Córas Iompair Éireann with other people.
That is not quite right.
Surely the Government and the Minister must bear in mind that in the event of this branch line being closed permanently further unemployment will be created in Clara, Belmont, Cloghan and Ferbane? Surely the Minister must be aware of the fact that Córas Iompair Éireann have made it impossible for this line to pay by allowing lorries to take the merchandise and goods?
The Deputy knows that is not a question. It is a statement.
The Minister has now no function in these matters. The decision rests with the tribunal. That is the situation created by the Deputy's own vote.
Has the Minister not admitted to this House that he has instructed the board? This is the way they will pay their way by paying off men.
I protest against the closing of this branch line and I ask the permission of the Chair to raise the matter on the Adjournment.
I have given Córas Iompair Éireann no direction except in the precise terms that were conveyed to that body by my predecessor and I will repeat them here now if the Deputy wants them.