asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Bus Átha Cliath are purchasing 18 new double deck bus chassis from England; given the fact that another fleet will be required over the next few years and also that the replacement of bus fleets is an on-going necessity, if provision will be made for the building of buses in Ireland which would provide some much needed employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Bus Building.
405.
Córas Iompair Éireann and its subsidiaries, including Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann, are fully aware of the importance and desirability of purchasing home produced materials and products to the maximum possible extent. I am informed by the board of CIE that the bus replacement programmes of the two subsidiaries which are spread over double deck and single deck buses, coaches and minibuses would not be adequate to sustain a viable bus building operation here.