asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether he is aware that certain parts of Belton Park Road, Belton Park Gardens, and Belton Park Villas, including in all about 64 houses, are without any public lighting, with consequent danger and inconvenience to the residents; and if he will cause inquiry to be made into the cause of this state of affairs; and if he will take steps to see that the necessary public lighting is provided.

In February last representations were received in regard to the lack of public lighting in the area referred to and the matter was brought to the attention of the Dublin Corporation. It was ascertained that the public lighting in the part of the district which is lighted was carried out by the landlord and that the areas which are not lighted are not in charge of the corporation. The corporation have powers under Section 28 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, where any street not in charge of the sanitary authority is not lighted to their satisfaction, but the corporation are not disposed to take any action thereunder as it is considered it would be inopportune to do so at the present time when the Electricity Supply Board is urging the utmost economy in the use of electricity.

Are we to understand that these people are to be without public lighting in their streets during the period of the emergency?

That is the present position, at any rate, but, as the Deputy will understand from the reply, it is a matter primarily between the persons concerned and the corporation.

Are we to take this as the first shot to be fired by Deputy Mulcahy in the non-political local elections?

It seems to have got home.

I should like to point out that there is no public lighting in Limerick City at all.

It is political light that is being sought here.

I should like to assure Deputy Belton that there is no foundation for his suggestion. I would hate to feel that Saint Thomas might think I was poking at him if I raised any question with regard to Thomas Street.