asked the Minister for Energy, in view of the withdrawal of Amgas from a consortium to supply gas to Limerick, if he will indicate his plans to ensure that natural gas will be brought to Limerick with minimum further delay.

Following Amgas's decision to withdraw from the negotiations on the Limerick gas project, I instructed Bord Gáis Éireann to continue negotiations with Limerick Corporation on a supply agreement. I understand that these negotiations have been re-opened and that proposals may be put to me shortly. The House will appreciate that I am not in a position to predict the outcome until proposals have been considered by me and put to the Government.

Is it the Minister's intention that Bord Gáis should acquire the majority stake in the new company which possibly will own Limerick Gas?

Negotiations are proceeding at present with that in mind.

Does the Minister agree that this is the second step on the road to the nationalisation of the gas industry?

In October 1982 Limerick Corporation, which was then Coalition governed, decided to accept a minority stake in the gas company in Limerick and for two and a half years nothing has happened. Does he also agree that, if we had local elections every month, there would be announcements that things would be done, but whether or not they would be done I do not know.

That is not a question.

So private enterprise was not acceptable in Limerick either. Is that the position?

We are supporting Limerick.

Is the Minister of State becoming a so-called socialist?

Order.