asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Great Southern Railways appear to be taking steps towards dismantling the railway line from Claremorris to Ballinrobe, and whether, considering the disastrous effect which the closing of this line would have on the surrounding district, he will make representations to the railway company that the line be not closed.

There is no foundation for the suggestion made by the Deputy that the Great Southern Railways Company are dismantling this line.

Have the company applied to the Minister for an Order enabling them to close down the line?

They are not closing it; they are not applying for an Order to close it, and the line is not being dismantled.

And I hope that if they do, the Minister will refuse.