asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware of the extreme shortage of diesel oil in County Donegal, where the livelihoods of farmers and commercial vehicle owners are threatened; and if he will arrange to have supplies directed there.

I am not so aware. The information available to me indicates that supplies are being distributed in Donegal in the same manner as in other parts of the country. All necessary steps are being taken, in close consultation with the oil companies, to ensure that oil supplies are distributed as equitably as possible and that priority in supplies of gas-diesel oil is given to the categories listed in the order which I made on 12 April last. The priority categories include farmers and commercial vehicle owners.