asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the general manager of Córas Iompair Éireann stated at Cork on 2nd October that Córas Iompair Éireann propose to purchase six diesel-electric locomotives at a cost of £540,000, and whether this proposal has been approved by the Government; and, furthermore, whether he will state the present position regarding the six 1,800 h.p. diesel-electric locomotives previously ordered by Córas Iompair Éireann at a cost of £470,000, the order for which the Minister directed Córas Iompair Éireann to cancel.

I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that the six diesel electric locomotives to which the general manager referred at Cork on 2nd October are those which were ordered in 1946. Córas Iompair Éireann have been endeavouring to dispose of these locomotives but, so far, without success. They have ascertained that if the contract were to be cancelled the penalty involved would be a very large sum, against which the board would receive nothing. If the locomotives cannot be disposed of economically, as now seems probable, the board will have no choice but to take delivery of them.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether it is now the policy of Córas Iompair Éireann to use diesels? Córas Iompair Éireann now have come round to the opinion that the diesel is a better form of transport?

That is a separate question.

It is not a separate question. The question relates to the six diesel engines which were ordered to be purchased at one stage. The contract is still open it seems.

Only on payment of a very heavy sum.

Are they going to use these diesels or pay the heavy fine?

I have answered the question and said that if they could not dispose of them economically they would buy the diesels.

Is it not a fact that the present general manager of Córas Iompair Éireann has announced that they are going to put six diesel electric locomotives on the road?

If Deputies would listen to the reply they might not have to ask supplementaries.