asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce legislation that will authorise him to inquire into the cost of rail and bus fares.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rail and Bus Fares.
37.
Under the Transport Act, 1958, C.I.E. are authorised to fix such charges as they think fit for any service they provide, and it is not proposed to introduce amending legislation to alter this position.
The maximum fares which may be charged by other operators of provincial bus services are controlled by Regulations made by the Minister for Transport and Power under Section 23 of the Road Transport Act, 1932.
Would the Minister not consider that in the light of recent events it would be important that such legislation be introduced? Is the Minister aware that the people who had a weekly ticket from Dublin to Dun Laoghaire on the train service that was running last year had it for 6/8 and that they are now paying 22/- for it on the buses? Would it not be necessary to introduce legislation in that respect?
I am afraid I cannot comment on the accuracy of the Deputy's figures.
I wish the Minister had not flown to America and I would tell him why he should do it.