asked the Minister for Energy if he accepts all the findings and the recommendations included in the report of the inquiry into Electricity Prices published on 18 January 1985; and, if so, the action both he and the ESB have taken and are taking to implement those recommendations in order to stabilise and reduce the high cost of electricity to domestic and industrial consumers.

In a press release which I issued announcing the publication of the report of the Inquiry into Electricity Prices on 18 January 1985, I pointed out that the report is comprehensive and covers many complex issues relating to the cost structure, organisation and operations of the Electricity Supply Board. I also stated that I had referred the report to the ESB for consideration of the recommendations of the inquiry and that the board will be asked in six months time for a report on progress in implementing the recommendations of the inquiry. That report on progress will be due from the ESB in mid-July next and this will obviously have its effect on the timing of any statement about the implementation of the inquiry's recommendations.

In regard to action I have taken to reduce the cost of electricity, I announced in the House on 31 January 1985 a reduction in electricity prices charged to industry, ranging from 2 per cent for the smaller users to 6 per cent for the larger users in the ESB's maximum demand customer category. As the Deputy will be aware the inquiry found that, while Irish electricity prices for industry are higher than those prevailing generally in Europe, domestic prices compare reasonably well with the rest of Europe.

Apparently we are still awaiting a response from the ESB in regard to this. I should like to draw the attention of the Minister to a comprehensive document on rationalisation in the ESB, changes in regions and so on, which was mentioned by a deputation of the staff associations I met last week. Will the Minister give an undertaking that the ESB will be prepared to discuss this document with the staff associations? I should like to bring it to the notice of the Minister that various semi-State bodies are creating new regions for themselves which will make nonsense of regional planning in the country in the long term in regard to the ESB and Bord Fáilte. The comprehensive document deserves attention. Will the Minister give an undertaking to get the ESB to discuss the merits or demerits with the staff associations?

That is a matter for the internal management of the ESB in regard to their industrial relations and staff negotiations.

It is a policy matter.

It is not a matter of day-to-day management; it is a policy matter if the ESB are going to change the regions. I should like to ask the Minister to use his good offices to see to it that the staff's answer to changes in policy is at least listened to.

At this point the Deputy and the Minister appear to differ and, as the time is up, we will have to leave the matter at that.

We can report progress on the new system.

I agree.

I am glad the Opposition like the system.