asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will now bring his influence to bear on the Electricity Supply Board with a view to the Board's abolishing the special service charge for electricity supplies.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Special Service Charge.
20.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to a question on this subject by Deputy Patrick O'Donnell on 20th February last.
Would the Minister please repeat the reply he gave?
I have already given detailed explanations of the nature of the special service charges and their incidence. If the Deputy wishes to raise the matter on the Estimate, I shall be delighted to deal with it then.
I am tired of raising it on the Estimate. Does the Minister not agree that the provision of electricity is a national service and that every household is entitled to enjoy it at the standard rate?
Is that why you voted for the withdrawal of the subsidy?
You said you would abolish the subsidy when you got back, but you never abolished it.
At the rate they charge for electricity, they should not need any subsidy.
Is it constitutional to discriminate against some of our citizens in respect of these charges? The Minister is aware that a substantial number of households cannot avail of electricity because of these prohibitive special charges. Surely it is time now, almost 40 years since the scheme was initiated, to have these special charges wiped out? Is the Minister aware that the people who suffer most as a result are mainly the people living in remote and isolated areas? Surely they are entitled to the service at the standard rate the people living in built-up areas have to pay? I want an answer to these questions.
Would you vote again for the withdrawal of the subsidy?
For heaven's sake, shut up. I have asked a number of supplementary questions and I am entitled to get a reply. I am awaiting a reply to my three supplementaries.
So are we.
Would you vote again for the withdrawal of the subsidy?
Do not be throwing your red herrings across here.
(Interruptions.)
Am I to assume the Minister is refusing to answer my supplementaries?
I am calling Question No. 21.
The Deputy has been answered on this subject many times.
Would the Labour Party vote again for the withdrawal of the subsidy?
Would you let loose your inspectors again?
Answer.
(Interruptions.)
I am calling Question No. 21.
I would give notice to raise this matter on the Adjournment, Sir, but I know from your previous rulings that it would not be allowed. That being the case, I think there is an obligation on the Minister to answer my questions.
And on you to answer mine.
I have answered them half a dozen times.
You have not. Answer me. Are we to assume the House can be treated in this fashion?
The wonder is that the question even got past the Chair.
Question No. 21.