asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that during the past week the gas service in Dublin has been curtailed very considerably involving a restriction of the periods for which gas is available for cooking meals; and whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on the great number of families who have no alternative means of cooking food, he will make representations to the Dublin Gas Consumers' Company in regard to inadequacy of the service; and whether, if the company is unable to improve the efficiency of the service, he will consider the acquisition of the undertaking by the State for the period of the emergency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Gas Supply.
I am aware that the gas service in Dublin has been curtailed, and that considerable hardship has in consequence been inflicted on the public. I have been informed that the curtailment is due to the difficulty of maintaining and repairing portion of the company's plant. In these circumstances, it appears evident that it is not possible to take action which would result in a substantial improvement in the position, but my Department is in constant touch with the company in the matter.
Has the company met with any difficulty in obtaining shipping space to bring in machinery, or parts of machinery, for the purpose of effecting those repairs?
They experienced no difficulty in the shipment of machinery. They have experienced some difficulty in procuring licences for the export of the machinery from the countries where they purchased it. They have, in fact, obtained export licences for some part of the equipment but, even if that equipment should arrive here, its erection and operation would take a considerable time.