asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of investigations into the affairs of CIE which have been made to date; the total cost; and the results achieved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Affairs.
17.
Apart from the investigation, at present in progress, into the financial position of CIE of which I gave particulars in reply to a Parliamentary Question on 5th May, 1971, there were two previous governmental inquiries into internal transport in Ireland which covered the affairs of CIE.
The first of these inquiries was carried out in 1948 by a team headed by Sir James Milne. The cost of preparing the report was estimated at £2,771, exclusive of the cost of printing and publication. Following this inquiry the Government decided that the undertakings of Córas Iompair Éireann and the Grand Canal Company should be amalgamated and brought under public ownership. Effect was given to this decision in the Transport Act, 1950.
The second inquiry was carried out in 1956-57 by a committee of inquiry of which Dr. J.P. Beddy was chairman. The cost of preparing the report was estimated at £5,250, including £1,031 in respect of printing and publication. Following this inquiry, the Transport Act, 1958 was enacted. This Act gave effect, with certain modifications, to the recommendations in the report.
An internal review of its activities was also carried out by CIE in 1963 the production of which was not separately costed. The Transport Act, 1964 was drafted in the light of the information available from this report and other sources.