In regard to the Minister's original reply, I understood him to say that the gas price was to be adjusted downwards, but that the company had sought adjustments. Could the Minister interpret what these adjustments are? Do they mean that the Dublin Gas Company, while accepting a reduction in price, were not prepared to pass it all on to the consumer? Was there an adjustment upwards in their price?

I should have explained that there is an arrangement for the adjustment of the price of gas over a certain time period and the shift which has occurred in the price of oil in the last number of months will not reflect itself for a certain period. One of the main areas where discussions are taking place is in relation to having a contract escalafor provision which will reflect changes to be able to track oil prices faster and to allow the gas company to remain competitive.

When was the adjustment made in relation to prices to the Dublin Gas Company? Is the Minister aware that while the conversion programme is on target, many people who have already converted are switching back, to oil because certain oil companies have already given reductions in the price of oil and that this is putting the Dublin Gas Company in a very critical financial position?

I am aware of the difficulties and the commercial facts of life as they affect individuals and industries who have converted to gas. The Deputy will be aware that sales of Dublin gas for the first two months of this year have increased substantially. There are adverse and plus factors involved.

When were the adjustments made?

No change has been made to date.

I am speaking of the oil related adjustments.

The Deputy is aware that it was on a six months basis but the company want that reduced to three months and that matter is under negotiation at present.

Have the adjustments been made in relation to the fall in oil prices?

No adjustment has been made to date.