asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is great danger of a fuel famine on the Aran Islands, and, if so, if he will take immediate steps to prevent this situation arising.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aran Islands: Fuel Supply.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the acute shortage of turf in the Aran Islands, and that the islanders cannot get their normal requirements from their usual suppliers, and, if so, if he will request Bord na Móna to make available to them such quantity of turf as will meet their requirements.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I understand that as in many other areas there is a shortage of hand-won turf in the areas from which the Aran Islanders normally obtain their supplies. Adequate supplies of altertive fuels are, however, available and there does not, therefore, appear to be any immediate danger of a fuel famine on the islands. I am informed by Bord na Móna that a quantity of machine-won turf can be made available from their works at Attymon, County Galway, and Bord na Móna will be prepared, if required, to provide a supply through local fuel merchants.
Would the Tanaiste say from what source the alternative supplies are available and also what steps Bord na Móna are taking to convey this information to the Aran Islanders—that supplies are available for them?
We have not been asked what steps Bord na Móna are taking, but I am saying now, and presumably my reply will be conveyed through the Press, that Bord na Móna are making supplies available from a County Galway depot for use by the Aran Islanders.
Is the Tánaiste aware that Bord na Móna are taking no steps to make that knowledge available to the people who are very badly in need of turf?
What does the Deputy suggest should be done? Neither Bord na Móna nor my Department has any request to the effect that fuel is wanted. I have no request to that effect from anybody. If Bord na Móna and the traders in Galway have such information I have no doubt that turf will be made available to them immediately.
Would the Minister consider the question of having wood supplied in the area? Coal of course is out of the question.
I have no intimation that wood is needed; that question has not been asked. What I have been asked is a question dealing with fuel. I have undertaken that Bord na Móna will make fuel available in County Galway for transport to the Aran Islands.