asked the Minister for Energy if he is considering reducing the price of natural gas to the Dublin Gas Company in line with recent reductions in oil prices in order for that company to remain competitive.

13.

asked the Minister for Energy the negotiations, if any, which have taken place between the Government and Dublin Gas regarding conditions under which natural gas is supplied to that firm; if it is intended to alter the price structure or other conditions under which the gas is supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 13 together. Discussions between BGE, my Department and the company regarding changes in conditions under which gas is supplied to take account of difficulties which the company claim have been caused by the sharp drop in oil prices have been taking place for some time now. The gas price charged to the company is automatically adjusted downwards to take account of the fall in oil prices, but the company have sought adjustments over and over this. These discussions are continuing and it would be inappropriate to comment further on them at this stage. I hope, however, to be able to bring the matter to a conclusion in the near future.