asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the plans he is undertaking to ensure that no power cuts will take place this winter.
11.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Power Cuts.
10.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has had any consultations with his colleague, the Minister for Tourism and Transport, on the availability of power for industry during the approaching winter; and, if so, if he is satisfied that power cuts will not impair industrial efficiency.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I have not had any specific consultations with the Minister for Tourism and Transport on the availability of power for industry during the approaching winter nor do I see the need for such consultations. The ESB have standing instructions to ensure that electricity is not at any time in short supply.
Though the board have at their disposal adequate generating capacity, factors outside their direct control can, of course, interfere with their arrangements to ensure availability of supply. I am confident, however, that every effort will continue to be made by the ESB to avoid power cuts in the coming months and that industrial efficiency will not be impaired.
Is it not true that there is a likelihood of power cuts during the winter months and that this is due, not because of industrial unrest within the ESB or to the suggestion that the workers are at fault, but to the fact that the ESB have been grossly under-capitalised for a number of years?
That is a separate question.
I am surprised that the Minister has not considered it necessary to have consultations with the Minister for Tourism and Transport in this regard. There have been numerous press reports of possible shortages of power this winter and these shortages will affect householders as well as industry. Is it not advisable and necessary that the Minister acquaint himself with the exact nature of the situation?
We are aware of the exact nature of the situation. Since there has been reference to press reports, I take this opportunity of expressing thanks publicly to the general public and to industry for their consideration during the periods when the ESB requested a cutting down on consumption. The first three weeks of October were very difficult for the board for varying reasons but they did not find it necessary to reduce supply to any customer. The situation has improved considerably since then.
Surely the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy have at least a passing interest in what happens in industry and when there is a possibility of a threat to power supplies, should not the Minister responsible for that Department consult with his colleague in the Department concerned? Has there been any meeting between the two Ministers?
It looks as if we will be having Dáil by candlelight in the months ahead.
Has the Minister any proposal regarding this matter?