asked the Minister for Energy whether, in view of the likelihood that greatly expanded coal imports will be implied by the postponement of nuclear development, he considers that existing facilities for landing, storing and transporting large quantities of coal are adequate.

: The existing facilities, together with facilities now being provided or in contemplation, for landing, storing and transporting coal for use in this country are regarded as adequate.

: Is the Minister saying that facilities—for example, in Dublin port—for a coal import figure of several times what it is now are adequate and facilities for transporting it include railway rolling stock? What other forms of transport will be employed? Have CIE, if called on, enough rolling stock to transport five times the amount of coal we now transport?

: The Deputy will appreciate that CIE will not be asked to transport five times the present amount with the present rolling stock. The projects ahead will include not only a project of an increase in the import of coal but also a project of change and improvements and expansion in the facilities for landing, storing and transportation of coal. The inquiries which my Department have made from various sources indicate that, leaving aside the ESB and another large industrial user who will almost certainly provide their own facilities, the expected facilities for landing, storing and transportation will be adequate to keep pace with the expected growth in imports.

: Are there people in a definable section in the Minister's Department who have the specific responsibility of keeping an eye on this question?

: Yes, there are.

: Could the Minister define what is meant by the word "adequate"? The question itself could be deemed to be unclear. Would the Minister have a more detailed study carried out of the implications of transporting through the port of Dublin and the surroundings the increased quantities of coal to which he referred? Perhaps he would give the House details of such a study. The question which the Minister answered is not sufficient to satisfy the concern of myself and Deputy Kelly.

: I must make two points in response to that. Firstly, the question of transport facilities generally is one for the Minister for Transport rather than the Minister for Energy. Secondly, it would be a mistake to assume when talking about increased imports and facilities that we are speaking solely of the port of Dublin. We are talking of other ports as well.

: Regarding imports of American coal which we are obtaining at lower prices than coal from elsewhere, has the Minister had any studies carried out of facilities on the north and northwest coast which would seem to be obvious landing points, rather than all coal going to Dublin?

: The information I have received in regard to the availability of facilities and the likely availability during the next few years includes information concerning ports on the west coast.