asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that Irish slate quarries have ample reserves of excellent slate rock for all Saorstát requirements; whether any steps have been taken
(1) To provide that in Government and Public Bodies' Contracts the slates used shall be procured from Irish quarries;
(2) to investigate and report on the possibility of quarries now working to provide such supplies;
(3) to consider the appointment of a Committee or Commission to investigate the methods of working and the output of these quarries, and of such others as have had to suspend operations owing to indifferent support or insufficient working capital, with power to recommend subsidies or loans from Public Funds in favour of promising undertakings, and so provide much needed employment, and the development of an important industry.
