Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 17 Nov 1966

Vol. 225 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Installation Charges.

23.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that in the many cases which have arisen recently where the ESB have agreed to provide an electricity supply only if the capital cost, which may be repaid by the ESB, is paid by the applicant, applicants for electricity supply have been discouraged by the fact that the ESB refuse to guarantee repayment of this capital within a specified period; and if he will take immediate steps to ensure that, in accordance with normal commercial practice, the ESB guarantee that these capital loans for the provision of electricity will be repaid to applicants within a specified time.

24.

Mr. Treacy

asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of persons in South Tipperary and West Waterford who have been asked to pay the capital cost of the supply of electricity; and the amount of contribution asked in each case.

Mr. Childers

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.

I would refer the Deputies to my reply to questions by Deputies James Tully, Dunne and M.P. Murphy on 2nd November, on the subject of capital for the ESB Rural Electrification Scheme.

As I explained, I have authorised the Board to proceed with connection in cases where houses are already wired and a firm commitment has been made. I am informed by the ESB that arrangements are now being made to refund capital contributions paid by any such householders.

It has always been the practice of the Board to seek capital contributions in cases where consumers sought supply out of turn before their areas had been canvassed. In such cases a refund will not be made until general post development work is undertaken in the areas concerned.

I am informed that of the 29 cases in South Tipperary and West Waterford in which firm figures for capital contributions had been quoted by the Board the required contributions ranged from £50 to £400.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

In view of the fact that the Board have lent the money made available to them by way of capital to the Government to help to tide them over their present difficulties, will the Minister now say in plain language whether if John Murphy gets a letter from the Electricity Supply Board saying that he must pay £220 or £240 towards the capital cost if the Board is to provide electricity for him and if he agrees to pay £220 or £240, he will get it back on a definite date? When will he get it back? Is the Minister aware that a number of applicants, possibly a small number in view of the big amounts of money demanded, agreed to pay the capital cost, provided they could get a guarantee from the Board that the money would be refunded on a specific date, and that guarantee is not forthcoming? Now, Sir, you cannot have it both ways, my man.

Mr. Childers

I have already dealt with all this.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

The Minister has not already dealt with all this. My question is quite clear. I know the Minister is supposed to be the Minister with no function but even so, the question is quite clear: if an applicant agrees to provide the capital cost, is he or is he not entitled to a statement from the Board saying the cost so provided will be refunded on a specified date? That is a simple question which requires a simple answer. A "Yes" or "No" will answer that question now.

Mr. Childers

I think he should be entitled to get a reply as to when the money will be refunded. The ESB were making use of a principle under which if the Government increased their capital allocation to the ESB at a certain date, they would then be enabled to continue their rural electrification work to make repayments to persons who pay capital contributions and the repayments would depend on a number of matters, including the number of householders in the district who have taken power at the same time and who might have the effect of reducing the overhead cost of establishing the installation.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

Will the Minister not agree he is hedging?

Mr. Childers

I am not hedging.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

It is completely indefinite: it may be paid in 50 years or 100 years. This is very important. Will the Minister not agree that the statements sent out from the ESB have been set down in most indefinite terms and will he not agree that an applicant for electricity who agrees to provide the capital cost should be told when refund will be made and should be given some definite date? Surely he is entitled to that? Will the Minister not instruct the Board——

Mr. Childers

I am taking this matter up with the Board.

Mr. M.P. Murphy

——to give such applicants a specific date?

Mr. Sweetman

And there will be a definite date given in each individual case?

Mr. James Tully

Is the Minister aware that the Board have suggested six years?