asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will ensure that electricity supply is made available to persons (names supplied) in County Sligo without the payment of £6 ground rent every two months plus down payments (details supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Sligo Electricity Supply.
3.
The ESB are prohibited by the statute under which the board was set up from giving preferential treatment to any consumer. Accordingly, quotations for electricity supply are made by the board in accordance with fixed rules which they apply everywhere. I am having the matter considered and I will be in touch with the Deputy.
Does the Minister not think it unfair discrimination that those people living in remote areas in County Sligo should have to pay £140 and £160 each, plus the £6 ground rent for their electricity supply?
I am having it investigated and I will be in touch with the Deputy.
Is the position in Sligo not similar to that in many other parts of the country? Will the Minister give active consideration to abolishing these special charges?
That is a separate question.
It is not a separate question.
The question relates to Sligo and the Deputy will not be allowed to enlarge it.
The grievances are the same in south west Cork, in Donegal and in other remote places as they are in Sligo. Is it not time that the special charge was reviewed?
It is a question of money.
Surely the Minister should try to ease the lot of the poorest sections of the community living in remote areas.