asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the inadequate train service on the Midland Great Western Railway is causing great inconvenience to the people of Athlone, Moate and Streamstown; whether the first train for Dublin leaves Athlone at 11.15 a.m., and the last train for Athlone departs from Broadstone at 2.30 p.m.; and whether he will use his influence with the Manager of this railway with a view to having an earlier train run from Athlone to Dublin, and likewise a later one from Dublin.

I have been in communication with the Midland Great Western Railway Co. on this matter. The Railway Co.'s position is still the same as was stated in reply to a question by the Deputy on the 15th November last, except that in regard to a later train in the evening from Dublin the Co. is in communication with the Postmaster-General.

I may explain that on the Post Office side we are endeavouring to get late trains running, not only on the Midland Great Western line, but on other lines. I hope our efforts will materialise before six weeks.

Do you mean within six weeks from now?

Well, certainly not in a lesser time than one month.

It is owing to the number of people taken from Mullingar to Athlone to attend Courts, and that there is no train service to take them back at night, that I raise the question. I think the Government ought press for a better service.

We are pressing for it.