asked the Minister for Local Government, with reference to a reply of 30th January last, the total number of different designs and sizes of electrical sockets and plugs on the market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electrical Sockets and Plugs.
28.
Mr. Ryan
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
Does the Minister think there is a real problem in existence because of the large number of different sizes of electrical plugs and sockets on the market, and does he not think it would be desirable from the viewpoint of new installations that some scheme of uniformity should be worked out so as to prevent this perennial source of exasperation?
The situation is that the Minister for Local Government would not be in a position so to specify in detail these plugs and sockets.
But in view of the general housing interests involved, would the Minister consider discussing the matter with the Minister for Industry and Commerce to see whether some uniform standard could not be arrived at so as to ensure that at least in the future this diversity of plugs and sockets will be eliminated?
So far as the fittings, wirings and plugs are concerned, it is the ESB who have the final say as to whether they will supply current to any particular establishment. That is probably the case from the safety point of view more than any other and my discussing the matter with the Minister for Industry and Commerce would not, I think, change the present situation. In any case I am not at all satisfied nor do I admit that there is such a problem as would seem to be indicated by the previous questions of the Deputy who put down this question.
Is it not a fact that the manufacturers of these plugs and fittings change the design and shape as often as women's hats are changed for fashion purposes, with the idea of creating a greater market for their products and that this has the effect of depriving the public of continuity in the supply of any particular type? In the circumstances, where local authority housing is concerned, surely the Minister, in consultation with the Department of Industry and Commerce, can work out an arrangement whereby building contractors and others concerned will be persuaded to use a selected type of fitting that will solve this problem?
I understand that stocks and replacements for any particular type run to 15 or 20 years' supply. That does not compare with the change in women's hats.
The Minister never went out and looked for plugs.
Probably the Deputy did.
I know what should be done.
So do I.