asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether, in view of the importance of the railway system to the social and economic life of the country and to civil aviation on which so much State money has been spent, he will advise CIE to cease dismantling the rail system and ensure that no further branch lines are closed.

Closures of uneconomic branch lines are effected by CIE in pursuance of the statutory powers vested in the Board under the Transport Act, 1958, and I do not propose to take action in the matter as suggested by the Deputy.

Is the Minister not aware that every branch line closed means less business for the main line? If the closing of branch lines continues, will it not eventually be a case of closing the main line?

This is all argument.

It is no argument at all.

Is this the Minister's responsibility?

I continually have to tell the Deputy this but I am quite willing to tell him again.

Tell me again.

I have a supplementary.

The Minister is on his feet to answer my question.

I have a supplementary arising out of Question No. 13.

Has the Minister any responsibility in this?

Would the Deputy please allow the questioner to proceed?

My question was not answered.

Viewing the activities of the Board of CIE over the past few years, would the Minister not agree that it is an inefficient and incapable body, having regard to the statement they made a few years ago——

That does not arise on the question.

It arises on the dismantling of lines.

It does not.

It arises from the question.

I am not allowing the supplementary.

I know where your views and sympathies lie.

The Deputy will resume his seat.

Will the Minister agree that the Board of CIE——

The Deputy will resume his seat.

With your permission, I wish to ask a supplementary.

What responsibility has the Minister?

Question No. 14.

With your permission, I wish to ask a question.

The Deputy has asked a question and I have ruled it out. The Deputy will resume his seat.

What business have we here if you adopt the dictatorial attitude you are adopting?

I asked the Minister a question. Has he any responsibility in this?

I give notice that I wish to raise the subject matter of Question No. 13 on the Adjournment, with Deputy Barron's permission.