asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will establish a single Government Department to take charge of transport policy to end the fragmentation in policy making on transport criticised in the NESC report.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Policy.
31.
The Government are aware of the issues raised in the NESC report referred to including the recommendation that one Government Department should have sole responsibility for all aspects of inland transport. These issues are under consideration together with the issues arising from the report of the Transport Consultative Commission. The co-ordination problem is, as the NESC recognised, most acute in the Dublin area and the Government have already taken action to remedy this situation.
When may we expect a decision on the consultations at present taking place?
The Deputy is aware that these two reports were received since the beginning of 1980. I am sure he is aware also that the problem is a very big one. The Government have agreed the recommendations in principle and, pending the setting up of the Authority, a task force comprising representatives of the Departments of Transport, Environment, Justice, Finance and Labour has been set up.
Is the Minister aware that there have been 11 or 12 such reports over the past ten years, the majority of which have made similar recommendations, and yet there has been no Government action as a result? Does it not seem as if the same thing will happen in this case?
I can assure the Deputy that this will not be the case, that the matter is receiving urgent attention.