asked the Minister for Transport and Power the manner in which he proposes to ensure compliance with the European Communities (Minimum Stocks of Petroleum Oils) Regulations, 1977, in relation to the naphtha used by Dublin, Cork, and Limerick companies.

(Cavan): The regulations to which the Deputy refers do not apply to naphtha and consequently the question of compliance does not arise.

Would the Minister not agree that some provision should be made for the storage of naphtha for Dublin, Cork and Waterford despite the fact that it is not included in the EEC regulations?

(Cavan): The Deputy's question related to EEC regulations. As I told him, these regulations do not require the storage of any minimum amount of naphtha. I understand that the Dublin Gas Company and other gas companies provide for a reasonable storage of naphtha to meet their requirements over a reasonable period.