asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that the increase in fixed charges being made by the Electricity Supply Board is a cause of hardship to people in North Kerry and is preventing many from accepting connection with electricity supply, thus defeating the aim of rural electrification; and if he will give consideration to the matter.

I am not so aware; the amount of the overall increase in charges for electricity is only about 5 per cent. The increase in fixed charges for rural consumers amounts, on average, to 2/- per consumer per two months, or less than 3d. per week and there is an offset by the reduction from 80 to 60 in the number of units charged at the higher price.

Is this not an instalment of the Budget?

Does the Minister consider it fair that the E.S.B. should increase the fixed charges under the Rural Electrification Scheme?

The E.S.B. is directed by this House to pay its way. It must provide for depreciation and capital advances. The charges must be increased when the accounts of the E.S.B. commence to show a deficit. The only alternative would be to charge the taxpayer. The money would have to be found somewhere.

An honourable agreement was made by two parties on the charges. That agreement should be kept. If there is extravagance by one party it should not reflect adversely on the other.

The Deputy can be certain that any agreement made was fully in line with the Act which directed the E.S.B. to pay its way. There can be no question of any lack of faith.

Is it reasonable that the meter fee of old age pensioners should be increased by 1/-? It is not in the public interest that that should be so. One person spent 7d. for his small amount of light and yet his meter fee was increased from 9/- to 10/-. Is that a good thing?

It saves it from being put into the Budget.