I propose to take questions Nos. 11, 12 and 17 together.
The appointment of a receiver to the Dublin Gas Company is a first step in the restructuring of the company prior to nationalisation. It is our objective to maintain the company as a going concern and to put the company back on a viable footing, supplying gas to consumers efficiently and at a reasonable price. Where proper claims exist they will be met in due to course. It is not possible at this stage to give an estimate of the cost of nationalisation or of the time scale involved until such time as the receiver has had the opportunity to assess the situation in the company.
Mutualisation is hardly a realistic option in view of the heavy State investment which has already taken the place and the further investment which will be required. However any arrangements which involve a contribution to efficiency by consumers and employees can be considered as part of the nationalisation process.
As regards employment, there should not be any reduction in numbers arising exclusively from nationalisation; improvements in efficiency through more realistic manning levels would have been required regardless of the form of ownership. The interests of employees and of the other parties involved in Dublin Gas will be respected in accordance with their respective rights.