asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he is aware that the delay in finalising a contract for the supply of natural gas to Dublin Gas Company will result in a delay in supplying this gas to industrial and domestic consumers in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the Deputy will now be aware, I have announced that agreement has been reached between Bord Gáis Éireann and Dublin Gas Company on the main provisions of a contract for the supply of natural gas. I expect that both organisations will now proceed quickly to the actual signing of a contract with the aim of getting gas on time to industrial and domestic consumers in Dublin. The Deputy will, of course, be aware that work on the construction of the pipeline from Cork to Dublin is continuing on schedule. The awarding of the contracts for the interconnector from Dublin city gate into Dublin gasworks and the ESB are expected to be made by BGE shortly and work completed by next December. The planned arrangements for bringing gas on stream in Dublin are, therefore, on schedule.

Is the Minister satisfied that the interconnector will be completed by the end of December and is he satisfied also that if necessary technical detail will be effected in order to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of gas to the people of Dublin?

I am satisfied that the interconnector can be completed by the end of December and I am informed that every aspect of safety will be undertaken fully in relation to the distribution of the gas.