Vol. 332 No. 1
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the number of people who have applied under EEC Council Regulation No. 1820/80 of 24 June, 1980 to have electricity provided in the less favoured areas of the West of Ireland; and the number of applicants approved under this scheme.
11.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the number of applications from County Galway made under the scheme for the provision of electricity supply in the less favoured areas of the West of Ireland in accordance with Council Regulation EEC No. 1820/80 of 24 June, 1980; and the number of those applications that have been sanctioned.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I understand from the ESB that up to 31 December 1981 the total number of applications received in board offices throughout the western area was 840 of which 286 were from County Galway. At the same date the total number of applications approved by my Department was 351 of which 135 were from County Galway.
Can this scheme be extended to include people not involved in agriculture and to help people in areas with low voltage? This is a serious problem in the west.
That case was made before. The Deputy knows that the scheme operates on the criteria set down.
Is the Minister aware that there is confusion concerning this scheme? There are people on local authority housing lists, and county councils cannot build houses in many instances because the ESB quotations are so high.
If there is confusion about the scheme I will raise it with the ESB. I did not think there was any.
The Minister used the words "western area" in his reply. What does that mean?
Connacht.
Is the Minister sure? There is a special technical definition of the western area.
The Minister is suffering from frostbite.
My understanding is Connacht.
As the Minister does not know the answer to the question, will he do some research and let me know the outcome?
12.
asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the reason aid for ESB connections under the Western Farm Package is being limited to applicants whose proposals exceed £1,000 in cost; and if he considers that this limit is unfair and contrary to the concept of the entire package which is aimed at improving small farm structures in the west.
When the package was introduced in June 1981 a commitment was given to keep the £1,000 limit under review. In fact a review is at present being carried out in my Department. Should it be decided, following this review, to remove the £1,000 limitation, I should like to assure the Deputy that persons who applied for assistance but were ineligible because of the limitation will be invited to reapply.
Is the Minister aware that the idea behind this was to help small farmers? If a farmer does not incur costs of £1,000 he is not eligible. This is a lot of money for small farmers to pay out.
If at the end of the review, which at present is being examined, there is any change, all those who have been declared ineligible up to now will be informed initially and go down for priority.
When will the results of this review be known?
I hope within the next few months.
