asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps will be taken to provide alternative employment for railway workers in the Dundalk works who may become redundant as a result of the implementation of the closure proposals.

I am not now in a position to give any answer to this question. The position which may arise at Dundalk will, of course, have my earnest consideration.

Can the Minister state whether the Government has come to any decision with regard to the future operation of the common service lines?

That is another question.