asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the percentage of ESB supply which relate to (i) oil, (ii) natural gas, (iii) turf, (iv) coal and (v) hydro-power.

The information requested by the Deputy is in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.

STATEMENT.

Can the Minister tell us under what heading the Turlough Hill development comes, is it under oil or hydro?

For the purposes of this statement it is classified as hydro. But the net amount of electricity that that generates, as the Deputy probably knows, is nil as far as I am aware. It is designed to make electricity available at times of peak demand, to use power available at times of low demand to pump water and provide the needs of the peak demand.

Can the Minister tell us what other sources of energy are at present being investigated, as a possible source of electricity and power, for instance, solar wave energy or fastgrowing timber which has been suggested as a substitute for turf?

All these potential sources are under investigation. I have recently given full details to the House of the work being carried out in connection with them.

13.