asked the Minister for Defence whether the Army engineering corps have the technical expertise necessary to operate all ESB power stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Limerick West): The Corps of Engineers do not have the technical expertise necessary to operate ESB power stations.

In view of the fact that electricity supplies are not being maintained on a continuous basis and that the Government do not have the alternative of calling in the Army to ensure that power stations are kept open, would the Minister consider implementing a training scheme to ensure that the Corps of Engineers will, as quickly as possible, gain the expertise necessary to enable them to run the power stations?

Is the Deputy suggesting that the Minister should train people in strike breaking?

(Limerick West): If Deputy O'Malley wishes to put down a separate question in this regard, I will gladly answer it.

The Minister is avoiding the issue.

This has nothing to do with strike breaking. If the Army do not have the capacity to run power stations, surely it is incumbent on the Government to ensure that they gain expertise in that field as quickly as possible so that it will be available to them in the event of supplies not being available for some time?

(Limerick West): In view of the sensitive nature of the strike, I ask the Deputy not to pursue the matter.

That is a shame.