asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state, in respect of each county, of whom special charges are demanded in respect of rural electrification.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification: Special Charges.
28.
In each county, supply is offered by the Electricity Supply Board, subject to payment of a special charge, to potential consumers whose normal fixed charge would not be sufficient to give the minimum return (after taking account of Rural Electrification Subsidy) required by the Board towards the annual costs of providing a connection to the premises.
Does the Minister realise the embarrassment caused to the rural dweller who has an electricity supply? Can he give any information as to when the special charges will cease? Prior to the last election, the Taoiseach give an indication that, if returned to power, he would do away with the special tariffs.
"Indication"—he gave a promise. He promised to do it in this House and it is on the record.
He gave back the subsidy.
He admitted it the other day.
We shall have a sheaf of promises for the next election.