asked the Minister for Transport the expected loss by CIE this year; and if he will apportion the loss between rail and road services.
49.
Written Answers. - CIE Deficit.
48.
asked the Minister for Transport the fare increases proposed by CIE this year.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 48 and 49 together.
It is not possible at this stage to estimate accurately what the CIE deficit for 1980 will be. This will depend on various factors including whatever general wage increases may be agreed on the expiration of the current national understanding. However, CIE have estimated that the deficit could be in excess of £60 million and roughly in a 70 to 30 ratio as between rail and road services.
There are at present no proposals for further increases in fares and rates but this is a matter which will fall to be considered in the examination of CIE's financial position in the current year.