asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he will consider taking such steps as may be necessary for the handing over for operation by private enterprise of the freight and passenger road services deemed by CIE to be uneconomic.

CIE operate profitable and non-profitable road passenger and freight services on the principle of providing reasonable, efficient and economical transport over the widest possible area. This is feasible only through applying surpluses on remunerative services to cover deficiencies on other services.

It is hardly to be expected that private enterprise would be prepared to take over uneconomic services from CIE and operate them satisfactorily but if any firm proposal of this kind is made I am sure CIE will be glad to examine it.