asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make immediate representations to C.I.E. to operate an auxiliary bus service between Waterford and Tramore in an effort to prevent a reoccurrence of the undue delays and chaotic conditions which prevailed on Sunday last because of the inadequacy of the existing diesel rail service to cope with the number wishing to travel.

The responsibility for providing adequate public transport rests on the Board of C.I.E. Accordingly any representations the Deputy may have to make in this matter should be made direct to C.I.E.

Is the Minister aware that, while thousands of people were waiting for hours to be carried to Tramore, there were 16 buses lying idle between the Waterford bus depot and Tramore railway station and that C.I.E. would not put one of them into commission?

I am not questioning the accuracy of what the Deputy says. What I am doing is explaining to him that, under the statute, I have no power to intervene in these matters. The responsibility for the administration of C.I.E. rests on the board under authority given to it by this House and the Deputy could make more effectual representations if he took the matter up with C.I.E.