asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in view of the fact that the decision to build a power station at Arigna was taken for the purpose of providing a local market for the bulk of the coal production in the area, he will state to what extent local production is being utilised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arigna Coal Production
6.
I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Arigna Station will use between 40,000 and 47,000 tons of locally produced coal per annum.
Is the Minister satisfied that the procedure adopted by the E.S.B. in connection with this is the most satisfactory and most just procedure?
It is entirely a matter for the E.S.B.
Since it was opened, is the Minister aware that no quotations and no tenders of any description were asked by the E.S.B. in connection with the supply of coal to this State-owned power station, but instead the bulk of the supply was taken from one producer and the other producers were not asked for a figure under any consideration? In view of that, would the Minister now consider ensuring in future that the supplies to this station will be made on the basis of quotations and tenders, so that all the suppliers in the area will have an equal opportunity of supplying coal to this power station?
These are matters for the E.S.B.
This is more shelving of responsibility on the Minister's part.