asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is the intention of C.I.E. to provide a bus service between Portlaoighise and Mountmellick to facilitate the residents of both towns.

Section 15 of the Transport Act 1950 places an obligation on C.I.E. to provide the necessary transport facilities for the needs of the public, agriculture, commerce and industry. I have been informed by the board that it is their intention to provide a bus service between Mountmellick and Portlaoighise.