I think it would be well, even at this stage, if some explanation was given by the Minister as to the necessity of the Bill having the proviso that these provisions should only apply until a certain and definite date to be fixed. I would like to know whether it is the view of the Minister that, apart from the possibility that at some future time electricity may be supplied by the Shannon, the powers supplied by the Bill are undesirable. If they are desirable, in any case, it seems to me that we ought not to insert this proviso regarding the period, because there is a possibility that the period may be very greatly extended, and if there are evils connected with the proposition to confer these powers upon undertakings then it is well that we should be warned in time and not confer the powers for an unlimited period. I do not know whether the Minister has any information to give to the House as to the period, or probable period, which he has in mind if these powers should be granted to local authorities and to electricity undertakings. If there is any difficulty, or anything undesirable in conferring them for an unlimited period upon local authorities or electricity supply undertakings, we should not press the Bill. Personally, I do not see that there is any great evil; in fact there might be good, but others who may have more knowledge about electricity undertakings might see evils if these powers are to be permanent or extended over a long period.
From a review of the present position in regard to the Shannon Electricity Supply, and the amount of progress that is being made, and is likely to be made, under conditions which the Minister and the Ministry have supported, I think the chances are that the scheme will be prolonged very much beyond the date which was originally contemplated, and, as a consequence, there may be danger in giving these powers for a much longer period than was contemplated when the Bill was drafted. I would like to hear the Minister on that point as to whether he considers that the three year period is sufficient in view of the policy of the Ministry in regard to the rates of wages to be paid on that undertaking, whether he still thinks that the rates of wages are sufficient to induce classes of men to work at the job who are capable of carrying out the work, and whether there is likely to be any longer period than was contemplated occupied in the work of preparing for the Shannon electrification scheme. I want to say that, in my judgment and with my help, the scheme will take much longer to perfect unless the terms and conditions which have been ratified in effect by the Dáil are greatly amended. The Dáil should understand that the period contemplated in this Bill will be very much longer than that originally suggested when the Minister moved the First Reading.
