asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state for the present E.S.B. year and give an estimate for the next such year of the amount of the addition to the board's fixed charges resulting from the heavy excess investment in plant which is stated in Economic Development to represent a dead weight burden on the board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply Board: Fixed Charges.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that all the plant available is now being utilised.
Increases in plant capacity are planned on the basis of estimates of probable requirements to meet all foreseeable contingencies over periods of five years. The extent of plant utilisation in next year will depend on the circumstances prevailing and cannot be forecast.