asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of miles of rural electrification network erected and completed during the first nine months of each of the years 1954, 1955 and 1956.

I am informed by the E.S.B. that the number of miles of rural electrification network erected and completed during the first nine months of each of the years in question is as follows:—

That shook them.

Yes, but what will it be next year?

They will not be there next year.

No supplementary.

Yes, there is a supplementary. Is it not a fact that the decision which brought about the stepping up in the E.S.B.'s extension of the rural electrification network was taken by the Minister's predecessor?

That is an entirely separate question.

It is a complete fabrication.

Question No. 9.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether it is proposed to continue extending the rural electrification network in Inishowen until the entire peninsula is linked up, and, if not, if he will state the considerations which led to such decision.

I am informed by the E.S.B. that it is the board's intention to extend rural electrification to all areas in the Inishowen Peninsula. The time at which the remaining areas in the peninsula will be developed will, however, depend on their order of priority in relation to areas awaiting development in the remainder of the county. The determination of this order of priority is a matter solely for the board and I have no function in the matter.

Arising out of the reply, can I have from the Minister any indication as to whether or not work will cease for some time in the Inishowen Peninsula in the near future?

That is a matter for the E.S.B. The question I was asked was whether it is proposed to continue extending the rural electrification network in Inishowen until the entire peninsula is linked up. My reply said that the rural network would be extended to all areas in County Donegal in accordance with the result of the canvass. The Deputy's colleague, Deputy Cunningham, was told this by the E.S.B. on the 10th of this month and he could have saved the Deputy the trouble of putting down this question.

Of course he wanted to cut the ground from under poor Deputy Cunningham.

Further arising from the Minister's reply, I have asked the Minister whether it is the intention to continue extending the network in Inish owen and when it is intended extending it.

This is the Rosguill invasion of Inishowen.

As far as the E.S.B. is concerned, Donegal is treated as a single county.

Will they continue extending it or will they not?

Ask Deputy Cunningham. He called in.

The position is that Inishowen will qualify for rural electrification development in accordance with its place in the priority list within other areas in County Donegal.

That is no answer.