asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the decision by the Government to foster in every way possible the welfare of the Gaeltacht areas, he will arrange that essential services such as electricity be provided at nominal rates in order to improve the amenities of the Gaeltacht and restrict or reduce emigration therefrom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Essential Services in Gaeltacht.
Pádraig Ó Cuinneáin
Many Gaeltacht areas are eligible to be considered for the supply of electricity under the rural electrification scheme and already supply has been provided in some of these areas, while investigations are proceeding in a number of others. Under the rural electrification scheme the capital charges are subsidised from State funds to the extent of 50 per cent. The fixing of rates of charge falls within the functions conferred by statute on the Electricity Supply Board and I have no responsibility in the matter. I could not see my way to provide for a subsidy from public funds for the purpose of giving effect to the suggestion by the Deputy that electricity should be provided at nominal rates.
It is not possible for me to cover any other services in my reply in the absence of specific information as to the services the Deputy has in mind.
Could the Minister make any arrangement with the Electricity Supply Board that they would undertake to connect up Gaeltacht districts before the normal number of people had signified their assent to take the current?
I can only say that in fact many areas in the Gaeltacht have already been linked up with the service and, at the moment, through the Gaeltacht there are quite a considerable number of areas which are under investigation and where recruiting, so to speak, of prospective consumers is under way. It has been intimated to the Electricity Supply Board—we have no right to direct them—that they should, as far as they can, within statutory limitations, give whatever consideration can be given to the Gaeltacht areas.
More than to an ordinary district?
As far as possible.