asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider introducing a subsidisation scheme to assist residents in Gaeltacht and congested areas in the installation of electrical current.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity for Gaeltacht.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, rural electrification in all areas is already subsidised to the extent of 50 per cent. I would not feel justified in recommending to the Government any increase in this substantial assistance for any particular area.
Is the Minister aware that in every rural electrification scheme carried out in the Gaeltacht or congested areas there is a number of persons precluded from participation in the scheme due to economic circumstances and sometimes, because of their being just on the edge of the network, an extra charge is necessary if they are to be brought in? Would the Minister consider subsidising cases such as these where the people could not otherwise be in a position to participate in the scheme much as they would like to?
I do not think it can be considered in that isolated way in regard to individuals or small groups of individual cases. The present subsidy of 50 per cent., which is generously interpreted in its administration, is a very substantial one. As I have said, I do not feel any further subsidisation is necessary in this field.
Would the Minister not agree that a special case exists in regard to the Gaeltacht area? If we are to do something really genuine for these people, that is one direction in which we could help.
I know this matter was before the Deputy's Government and that it was considered at Government level, and withdrawn from the Cabinet agenda. Apparently, they did not desire to proceed with it either.