asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is Government policy that public transport will be considered a social service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Transport Policy.
44.
The extent to which public transport should be treated as a social service is a matter which is at present being considered in the light of EEC regulations governing State aid to transport undertakings in respect of services operated at a loss in the public interest.
Proposals for a new subvention structure for CIE to conform to EEC requirements are under examination but no decisions in the matter have yet been taken.
I understand that the Minister for Industry and Commerce refused CIE permission to increase their fares.
What has that to do with the subject matter of Question No. 44? I do not think the Minister for Industry and Commerce comes into this matter.
He ought to.
If he ought, there should be a specific question down to him.
It is a question of whether this public service should be considered a social service.
We must confine ourselves to the subject matter of Question No. 44.
The National Prices Commission recommended that certain increases should be allowed in public transport fares. The Minister for Industry and Commerce refused permission for that. Therefore, I must now assume that the Government consider public transport to be a social service, which I approve of, but I want the Minister to agree that it is now accepted as a social service.
I do not think we can expect the Minister for Transport and Power to answer a question directed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
The Minister said he wanted the whole position of CIE subsidies examined. He did not refuse the price increase for that reason.
Does the Minister agree that public transport, especially Dublin city public transport and urban public transport for people going to and from work, should be considered to be a social service as well as a public service?
Not necessarily. I do not think it is appropriate to give a reply to a supplementary on a very broad subject which is governed by EEC regulations.
It is a specific question.
I am not prepared to give a specific answer at this stage.
I suppose it is the Minister's entitlement to run away.