asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if the implications of new crude oil prices for public transport within the State is under review; if the supply position has been examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Supplies.
21.
The consequences for CIE of new crude oil prices will be reflected in the board's costs and will be considered within the context of the overall financial position of the board.
I have been informed by CIE that sufficient stocks of oil are in hand to meet requirements and that they do not anticipate supply difficulties.
With regard to that part of public transport provided by licensed operators, the question of the implications of new prices for oil are, along with any other changes in costs, matters for the operators themselves to consider in the first instance.
The oil supply position is primarily a matter for the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy.
Would the Minister agree that in large city areas, in Dublin, for example, there have been already increases in the passenger side of the company's operations in buses, with resultant increases in bus fares and that this reflects on the standard of living of many wage-earners? I understand that an application by CIE for further increases is before the National Prices Commission. In view of the unavoidable increases in costs for the company, putting further pressure on the fares structure, would the Minister consider improving the subvention to CIE this year? Otherwise it will be the fares increase which will take the brunt.
First of all, I recognise that the new crude oil prices will have an effect on costs. There are a number of ways in which this can be dealt with, by increasing fares, by an increase in the subvention or by economies of various types. It is a matter for consideration how this should be dealt with.
Would the Minister agree that there was a reduction in the subvention to CIE before the January budget which has put pressure on the company to seek an increase in fares? Could that decision be reconsidered now in the light of those increased costs?
That is a matter which we have to consider in relation to the possible ways of making the money available.
Is the Minister aware that in city areas like Dublin an increase in fares can add £1 or £2 per week to the travelling costs of the average wage earner? It has an impact on the wage position of such earners which must be considered when we are talking about the necessity of getting a wage agreement this year.