asked the Minister for Transport and Power the action he proposes to take to effect a reduction in the ESB connection charges.

As I indicated on 25th February, 1976, and also on 13th November, 1975, in reply to questions on rural electrification, I have been preparing proposals designed to assist those householders who were quoted capital contributions for connection to the electricity supply under the final phase, 1971-75, of the rural electrification scheme but who were unable to accept the terms. I made it clear that it was not intended to assist any other category of consumer or prospective consumer. These proposals are now virtually complete and I hope to be in a position to introduce the necessary legislation very shortly.

Can I take it from what the Minister is telling us that, because of the extra charges being imposed for installation, these people are being given hope that these charges may be reduced substantially?

No. I have explained a number of times that the people being catered for in this legislation are those who were offered subsidised terms under the rural electrification scheme, but because the capital contribution element for this connection was more than they could afford, I am now ensuring that they will get this connection without making the capital contribution.

How soon?

The legislation is almost ready.

The Minister may have misunderstood me. Have I not been asking him to confirm that those who are awaiting connection under the scheme, can now hope and expect to get this connection at a much lower charge or without any charge at all?

I am not sure we are talking about the same category of people. I am talking about those people who were offered subsidised terms under the rural electrification scheme, and could not afford the lump sum involved in obtaining this connection.

How does the Minister propose to do this?

I am introducing legislation.

Will it wipe out the capital requirement?

It will wipe out the lump sum.

What about new people?

They are not included. I have explained about the category of people involved here a number of times.

Would the Minister seriously consider making some provision in this legislation for houses which did not then exist and so were not offered the opportunity on any terms?

Not under this legislation. Some time ago I received a number of deputations from places in Galway, Mayo, Donegal and Kerry. The deputation from the Black Valley in Kerry was the first I received.

The last part of Deputy Blaney's question was what I intended to ask. The Minister said that the legislation will not include new houses in these areas. In view of the fact that in many instances the lump sum being asked for is from £1,000 or £1,500 to £2,000, does he not see any hope of assistance for people in rural Ireland building new houses?

This legislation is to cater for people who were in these houses before rural electrification came and had no choice as to where they should put their houses. Anybody building a new house should take this into consideration because there is an element of choice in the selection of a site for a new house. People already in houses have not got a choice. People building new houses should consult the ESB as to the cost of connecting electricity. Normally these people contact the county council and other people about the cost of connecting running water and so on. During the last two years county councils have been advising people that they should also take into account the cost of connecting electricity.

Deputy H. Gibbons and Deputy Wilson are offering. I have allowed a number of questions on this.

Will the legislation affect people who have availed of the ESB scheme? Will they get any refund?

No.

Has the Minister the information as to how many houses this legislation will cover?

Around 1,000, I am sure of that figure.

The Minister spoke about the people who could not afford the capital charge, but what about the people who could not afford the charge but borrowed the money?

We are having repetition. I must call the next question.

It is not possible to have retrospection.

May I ask a question?

I hesitate to disallow the Deputy.

The Minister mentioned that people have a choice as to where they build their houses, but suppose a person has no choice. Would the Minister consider him? A person who has a choice can build his house as near to the ESB as possible but surely a person who must build in the country and does not have a choice, is entitled to some help under the Bill?

The Deputy is talking about the Bill now. We ought to await its introduction before debating it.

The Minister said legislation was being introduced. I know a good deal about the legislation——

The Deputy is attempting to debate the legislation now. I am calling the next question.

The person who has no choice owns the land and is at that much of a disadvantage over somebody who has to buy it.