asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate when the shareholders in the Great Northern Railway will be paid the cash value of their shares.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the fact that holders of Great Northern Railway stock are unable to dispose of their stock elsewhere, he will indicate when the Government propose to compensate them for the stock in question.

I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

There is at present no restriction on dealings in Great Northern Railway stocks.

The compensation in respect of the acquisition of the undertaking cannot be paid until the necessary enabling legislation is enacted. It is not yet possible to say when this legislation will be introduced.

Will the Minister say if it is likely to be introduced during the present session?

It is not possible to say at all. I do not think it is likely.