asked the Minister for Energy the reason for the delay in making the order for the establishment of the Limerick Gas Company; when this will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The necessary order which is submitted by the new Gas Company deals with the powers and obligations of a public utility and is therefore an instrument of some detail requiring the perusal of both the Attorney General's Office and the Parliamentary Draftsman.

This has now been done and although some points remain to be finalised, I am confident that the Order will be placed before both Houses of the Oireachtas in the very near future.