asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has received protests against the increase in ESB charges; and if he will take steps to see that current for rural electrification will be supplied without any extra special charge, as in many cases the increase imposed by the ESB has debarred farmers and milk suppliers from installing milking machines and milk coolers with the result that efficient and hygienic milk production is restricted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Increased ESB Charges.
19.
The total number of protests received in my Department is two. For the Deputy's information I should say there has not been any increase in special service charges in rural areas. As regards special service charges generally, I would refer the Deputy to col. 21 of the Dáil Debates for 20th October, 1965 in which I gave a very full reply to his question on this subject; to col. 176 of the Dáil Debates of 28th September, 1966 and col. 84 of the Dáil Debates of 6th December. 1966 in which I also dealt with this matter.
Can the Minister say if in view of the recent seven per cent increase in ESB charges, he will now be able to suspend the special service charge?
I have made that clear to the Deputy on many previous occasions. I explained the policy in full to the House on the occasion of the Estimate and on other occassions.
Will the Minister not agree that he changed his mind quite recently as a result of agitation on the part of many people, particularly Members of this House, in regard to the payment of capital charges? Will he now agree that continued representations will help him to change his mind also in respect of the special service charges? We have got him half way and naturally we are hoping to get him the remainder of the way, if he is still there.
The policy of the Government is that 96—97 per cent of rural dwellers can have electrical connection at the moment at normal service charges, or with a slight increase, and when that programme has been completed, the matter will be considered again. That is in accordance with tradition in any European country.
For the sake of the three per cent involved, why should we penalise them because they live in remote places? Surely there is no justification for that?