asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the position regarding the many houses which are wired for ESB supply but which do not comply with the latest safety regulations.

I presume that the regulations to which the Deputy refers are "The National Regulations for Electrical Installations" which were issued by the National Wiring Rules Committee in 1969. While these are recognised generally as the present basis of good practice, compliance with their terms is not obligatory.

Local authorities have been requested by my Department to incorporate in contract documents for new housing schemes a specification furnished by the ESB for this purpose.

The building regulations which are being prepared in my Department will contain provisions relating to electrical installations in most new buildings, including houses. When these regulations come into operation, compliance with their requirements will be obligatory for new buildings.

In the meantime, inspection of the wiring in new and existing private houses is a matter for arrangement by the owner of the house. Arrangements may be made with the ESB to inspect the wiring of any house on payment of a fee.

May I take it then that there is no truth in the rumour current at the moment that all houses that may qualify for grants will require to have been wired by specified people, not only with proper qualifications but also carrying a certain union card? Is there any truth in that rumour?

I am not aware of that rumour.

If the Minister is not aware of it then it does not apply.

Would I be right in asking if Deputy Blaney——

Order. If Deputies wish to have a private conversation there is an alternative. Deputies will please obey the Chair.

Arising out of the Minister's reply to Deputy Blaney, is the Minister aware that the fact Deputy Blaney has mentioned is causing considerable concern in rural areas? The ESB will not connect houses that are not wired by a trade unionist.

I am aware of the fact that the ESB wisely will not connect a house unless they are satisfied the person who has done the wiring is a competent person and I have no objection to that. How they decide the competency of the person is a matter for the ESB.

Is the Minister further aware that where the ESB are fully satisfied with the competency of the person they still refuse, and have refused in a number of cases, to wire the house because the person did not carry a union card?

I am not aware of that.

If it is the case will the Minister look into it?

It has not been brought to my notice and I do not listen to rumours from Deputies who have not got the facts