asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that since the 1st March, 1955, the E.S.B. have increased their charges for new extension work in County Dublin, and, if so, if he will make representations to the board to reconsider their decision in the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Charges.
Under statute, the fixing of charges for the supply of electricity is a matter solely for the E.S.B. and in respect of which I have no function.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of his attitude and the attitude of the Government, the E.S.B. has been deprived of an opportunity of helping these people in the matter of rural electrification? Is he aware that on 1st March last, four families in South County Dublin who were off the rural electrification route were quoted certain charges and that 14 days ago these charges were increased by 100 per cent.? Will the Minister state why the E.S.B., when their finances are in such a buoyant condition, should seek to penalise certain sections of our people and does the Minister realise now that what the Government are responsible for doing——
The Deputy is making a speech by means of a question.
There is a county council election coming up.
Is the Minister going to stand over this or does he propose to make any inquiries at all about it——
The Deputy is making a speech by means of a question.
—— in view of the fact that these people are being charged 100 per cent. more?
I have explained to the Deputy that under statute the E.S.B. is responsible for fixing its charges. This obligation was assigned to the E.S.B. in 1927. Although the Deputy's Party was in office for 19 years after 1927, never once did they propose to inquire what discretion the 1927 Act gave to the E.S.B. That is still the position.
Is the Minister aware that certain people are being penalised now by the E.S.B. as a result of the attitude of the Government? What is the Government doing about it?
Might I say that this statement by Deputy Burke is simply not correct? The Deputy would know that if he made inquiries. In respect of these charges the E.S.B. is following a policy precisely the same as it followed when the Deputy's Party was in office. They will get more electricity this year than ever they did before.