Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Inquiry.

Tuesday, 27 September 1966

Dáil Éireann Debate
Vol. 224 No. 1

14.

Mr. T. O'Donnell:   asked the Minister for Transport and Power if [13] he is aware that there is a widespread demand for a public inquiry into the affairs of CIE; if so, if he will agree to have such an inquiry held as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Childers:   I am aware that the Fine Gael Party has requested a public sworn inquiry to investigate the management and operation of CIE. I should regard such an inquiry as both undesirable and unnecessary and detrimental to the interests of the company and its employees. I will make a statement on the matter when the Estimates for my Department come before the House at an early date.

Mr. Lindsay:   Having regard to the reported losses of CIE, how could a public inquiry be more detrimental than the actual working of the present administration?

Mr. Childers:   The Deputy is well aware that a public inquiry of this kind would be most detrimental to the staff and the company concerned. I have made a number of detailed statements on this matter——

Mr. L'Estrange:   What is there to hide?

Mr. Childers:   ——including the debate in the House and the Deputy may argue the case again on the Estimate.

The Taoiseach:   An irresponsible proposal.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan:   In view of the demand of the public what is there to hide? Why not hold the inquiry that has been requested by a responsible Party? Is the Minister deliberately cloaking the misdeeds of CIE?

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Childers:   This is purely political gimmickry.

Mr. O.J. Flanagan:   No, very far from it.

Mr. Childers:   In further reply to the Deputy, there has been virtually no public comment of an adverse nature on the detailed statements I have made.

[14]Mr. L'Estrange:   Are you living up in the moon?

Mr. Donegan:   Is the position that the request by a responsible——

Mr. B. Lenihan:   Question.

Mr. Donegan:   ——Opposition Party has now been refused and does this not mean a worse situation? In any normal democracy, if a responsible Party ask for an inquiry, it is given, not refused.

The Taoiseach:   But this is an irresponsible proposal.

Mr. T.F. O'Higgins:   And who is to be the judge of that?

(Interruptions.)