asked the Minister for Transport and Power the progress if any, that has been made with regard to completion of the rural electrification scheme since the enactment of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill, 1976.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
2.
(Cavan): I am informed by the ESB that progress continues to be made in the extension of rural electrification under the Electricity (Supply) Acts.
I am of course concerned that every householder in rural Ireland who is eligible for and wishes to avail of subsidised connection to the electricity supply should be linked-up with the least possible delay. I am therefore impressing upon the board the importance of completing the 1971-75 scheme and proceeding without delay with the implementation of the scheme envisaged under the Act of 1976.
Is the Minister aware that at least up to a few days ago the ESB had not received any instructions regarding the implementation of the provisions of the 1976 Act?
(Cavan): I am not so aware but I would be particularly interested to know the source of the Deputy's information because the contrary is the case. The ESB are under pressure from my Department to get on with the work.
Can the Minister say when the scheme is expected to be completed?
(Cavan): It is not possible to give that information. As the Deputy knows, the legislation became law on December 14th. Since then we have had one of the wettest winters for many years. I am not in a position to say when the work will be completed but I assure the Deputy that my instructions to the board are that work be commenced and completed with the minimum delay.
Question No. 3.
Is the Minister aware that no work has started in respect of any of the provisions of the 1976 Act?
(Cavan): I am not so aware. I repeat that the Bill became law on December 14th approximately three months ago. In the meantime the Christmas holidays intervened and there is also the consideration that we have experienced one of the wettest winters for many years.
Would the Minister accept that Deputies who have been in correspondence with the ESB on this matter have been informed that work has not commenced and that no definite decision on the part of the Government in relation to this Act would appear to be implemented?
(Cavan): The Deputy seems to be suggesting that no initiative has been taken by the Government in this respect. That is not so. The Government put on the Statute Book the Act of 1976 and have provided the wherewithal to implement its provisions. It is for the ESB to implement these provisions and, as I have said, they are under pressure from me to get on with the work. This pressure will continue to be exerted.
I must agree with Deputy O'Leary. The case of supply to an individual in one of the areas in question was brought to my attention recently. In reply to my representations the ESB said they thought the individual concerned should be included but that they did not have available to them the full terms of the Bill. The Minister's predecessor promised us——
Questions, please.
——during Committee Stage of the Bill, when some of us were a little confused, an explanatory memorandum giving specific details of the scheme.
(Cavan): Regarding the information given to the Deputy by some official to the effect that the ESB were not in possession of the full particulars of the Bill, I would point out that the Act is a short one of four sections and is very easy to understand. It is in the possession of the ESB.
Regarding the explanatory memorandum referred to by the Deputy, I regret that this has not been sent out yet. As recently as today I gave instructions to have it sent out immediately.