asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when he intends to produce a national transportation policy.

27.

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when the proposed transport authority will be established; and if he will outline the structure and functions of the authority.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.

In their election manifesto, the Government indicated their intention to set up a transport authority to investigate and report on the measures necessary to achieve the most efficient and economic transport system for goods and passengers having regard to the need to maintain a flexible competitive transport system, thereby ensuring the facilities necessary for industrial development throughout the country as a whole. I am at present considering what type of body would be most appropriate to undertake the investigation proposed but I am not yet in a position to make a detailed statement in the matter.

Since assuming office I have given a considerable amount of thought to current transport policy, our future needs in the transport sphere and the financial, social and economic implications involved. Within the general policy of achieving adequate, efficient and economic transport services to meet the country's needs, it is my view that transport policy should be flexible and capable of adaptation to changing needs. Generally it will be my aim to develop transport policies which will be consistent with and support the Government's overall plans for economic and social development.

In order to improve the framework for review of policy and in keeping with the Government's expressed intention of proceeding with public service reform, I have already taken the initial steps in the establishment of a planning unit in my Department which will link in with the new Department of Economic Planning and Development in the context of national economic and social planning. The new unit when fully operational will be expected to give priority consideration to policy issues in the transport area. Any policy changes that I may decide to introduce in due course will of course be the subject of announcement by me at the appropriate time.

Referring back to the Minister's earlier reply, on the basis of what will obviously be a very long process, would the Minister respect the detailed work that has been done by the representatives of the local authorities in the most hard-pressed area, the Dublin region, and the statement of the chairman of the national transport company, Mr. Devlin, with regard to the immediate necessity of some proposals in the Dublin area? If we wait for this, we will not get any amelioration of a problem that exists today. Will the Minister give an assurance that he will deal directly with the transport problems in the Dublin context without awaiting a national transportation policy to be formulated along the tortuous lines he has just outlined?

I am in the course of studying the matter. I propose to have it fully investigated. It may or it may not be possible to decide on a Dublin transportation policy on its own. In my reply I stated clearly what I have in mind, and naturally the question of the Dublin transportation problems will receive consideration.

In relation to the question of a national transportation strategy and the proposed new transport authority, would the Minister agree that what is vitally needed in the immediate future is not merely the formulation of a national transport policy but the assignment of the necessary powers to a transport authority to implement that policy? From the Minister's reply I take it that the proposed authority will be merely an investigative authority or an advisory board. We need an authority with powers to formulate and implement a national transport policy, taking into account Dublin problems and the national problems as well.

As I pointed out in the course of my reply, the exact type of body appropriate to deal with this matter is under consideration. In our manifesto we stated that this authority would be for the purpose of investigation and reporting on the measures necessary to achieve certain desirable results.

I do not wish to press the Minister unduly, but answering the first question by referring to the establishment of an authority does not really answer the question. If the Minister is in a position to do so, the Minister should give an assurance that he will open up discussions with the local authorities in the Dublin region, as there is no other part of the country under the same kind of transportation pressure. To answer Question No. 25 in the terms of Question No. 26, as has been done, simply postpones any effective solution to the transportation problems of Dublin.

I do not accept that.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Do I understand the Minister to say that he intends to refer this problem to the planning unit which he proposes to establish? Could the Minister tell us at what stage this planning unit is? Has it yet been established, or when does the Minister intend to bring it into existence?

The planning unit has already been established.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is it in operation?

It is beginning its operations.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Has staff been assigned to this planning unit?

To some extent, but more staff will be necessary.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I take it that the Minister agrees that a planning unit is absolutely vital to the operation of his Department?

As I already pointed out, I have established the planning unit. I am satisfied it is vital.

(Cavan-Monaghan): The Minister will agree that it was practically established when he took over?

There is a big difference between practically establishing something and establishing it.

May I ask one final question? Has the Minister considered the possibility of implementing a suggestion which has been made from time to time by people involved in transport as to the desirability of having a White Paper on Transport published, in view of the complex nature of the transportation position and in view of the complex job with which the Minister is faced in relation to formulating a national transportation policy?

At the moment I do not propose to issue a White Paper. I hope that the body set up will investigate the various markers laid down in our manifesto.

I agree with the Minister that a national transportation policy is necessary. To listen to other speakers one would think that Dublin was the only area with a transportation problem. From the way we are being treated by CIE, at the moment I would be looking for a transport authority to deal with the west of Ireland.

Surely the people who formulated the Fianna Fáil manifesto and the Minister must have some idea as to what they have in mind. In relation to the question posed by Deputy O'Donnell as to the relevance of a White Paper, surely the Minister should give the House some information as to whether he proposes to issue a White Paper?

I propose to set up a body which will investigate and report on various measures which we consider necessary to achieve the end results that we all desire in relation to our transport system.

Will the Minister come back to the House on that before taking further action?

Could I ask a further supplementary?

We have no time for any further supplementary questions.

With respect, a Cheann Comhairle, I want to ask the Minister what is the timetable for the establishment of this authority.

I am examining the situation at the moment, as pointed out in the course of my reply. I am not yet in a position to give a detailed reply on the matter.

The Minister has no timetable as of now for the establishment of the authority?

The remaining questions will appear on to-morrow's Order Paper.