Vol. 200 No. 2
asked the Minister for Defence the sources of electricity supplies to (a) non-commissioned men's married quarters, (b) officers' quarters and (c) the barracks in general at Portobello Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin; whether any of the electricity is generated within the barracks; and, if so, if he will state (a) the age of the generator, (b) by whom it is operated, (c) the annual cost of operating it, and (d) the number of units generated and consumed per annum.
37.
asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware of the very serious hardship and inconvenience being suffered by families in married quarters in Portobello Barracks, Dublin by reason of frequent failures in the electricity supply to flats there; and if he will have immediate steps taken to provide families there with a sufficient continuous supply of electricity as will permit the use at any time of electrical equipment, such as clothes irons, fires, washers and television and radio sets which are normally found in homes these days.
38.
asked the Minister for Defence the date upon which work in connection with the provision of electricity meters at married quarters in Portobello Barracks, Dublin commenced, the number of meters erected to date, by whom the work is being done, the cost, when the work will be completed, and when the meters will be in operation.
I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
All electricity consumed in Dún Cathal Brugha is supplied by Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais.
Failures in the electricity supply to NCOs' and Men's quarters are due to overloading of the system which is designed for lighting only. The charge for occupation of such quarters is 5/-per quarters per week, inclusive of furniture, light and water.
Negotiations are in progress with Bord Soláthair an Leictreachais with a view to the occupants of the quarters becoming direct customers of An Bord. It is contemplated that when this happens the occupants will be able to use the various electrical appliances mentioned by the Deputy. I am endeavouring to have the negotiations with An Bord completed as a matter of urgency.
Work in connection with the provision of electricity meters at the quarters commenced on 19th July, 1962. The work, which was being done by civilian employees of An Cór Innealtóirí at an estimated cost of £772 (labour, £343; materials £429) had to be stopped on 1st August, 1962 because of the impossibility of getting electricians through the Employment Exchange. At that time 96 meters had been provided, leaving a balance of 4 to be installed.
The installation of the meters is only a small portion of the work. Segregation of the wiring and connection of the meters, which must also be done, constitute the greatest portion of it.
In view of the shortage of civilian electricians arrangements are being made to have the work completed by Army electricians from military posts outside Dublin. I cannot say at this stage when the work will be completed nor, pending its completion, when the meters will be in operation.
