asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is in a position to have transport facilities provided this season for private turf producers who are supplying their own fuel requirements from turf banks on County Dublin bogs.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the supplies position will permit Córas Iompair Éireann to run special buses for private turf cutters from Dublin City to mountain turf banks during the coming season.

I propose to take questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

I decided some time ago to authorise the operation by Córas Iompair Éireann of special services by omnibus for private turf producers, but special tests undertaken by the company have disclosed that such a service to the Dublin Mountains is impracticable. These tests, which were carried out with the best type of bus available, revealed that the vehicle could not develop the necessary climbing power and that abnormal risks would be involved in providing a public service. I am prepared, however, to consider proposals for alternative transport facilities by lorry for organised groups of turf workers.

Can the Minister say what he means by alternative transport facilities?

By groups of workers combining.