asked the Minister for Transport and Power when it is intended to have an electricity supply extended to Borlin and Comhola districts, Bantry, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Rural Electrification.
14.
I am informed by the ESB that Borlin and Comhola are in the board's Kealkil rural area. At present it is envisaged that construction work under the planned post-development scheme will be carried out in that area towards the end of 1972.
This is much the same reply as we have received over the years from the Minister's predecessors. Has the Minister anything new to add? The people have been waiting for ten years for an electricity supply and they are still getting the same answer. Surely some progress must have been made in the matter?
If the Deputy was in the House yesterday he would know that I had a lot to say on this matter in the course of the Second Stage debate on the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill. We are making the finances available to the ESB to ensure that there will be a 98 per cent rural electrification connection by 31st March, 1975, under a new four-year programme.
In 1975 most of the people will be in John Bull's Island.
Is the Minister aware that when extensions of this kind take place necessitating the cutting off of supply to existing users, only 48 hours notice is given in some cases——
That is a separate question. It has nothing to do with Question No. 14 which relates to an electricity supply in Bantry, County Cork.
The Minister will not be allowed to answer a question on the matter?
The Deputy is out of order. He is trying to get around the rules of procedure in the House.
I know what Deputy Clinton is referring to——
It does not arise on Question No. 14.
It relates to an inquiry made by Deputy Patrick Burke——
I am calling Question No. 15. This matter does not arise on Question No. 14.
The procedure in this House is reserved for Government Deputies to get information in advance of anyone else. Everyone then thinks we are doing nothing. We might as well have no Parliament.
I have already called Question No. 15.