asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what regulations are in force for the issue of explosives to quarrymen and road contractors.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS ORAL ANSWERS. - EXPLOSIVES FOR QUARRY WORK.
Four firms are authorised by me to trade in industrial explosives. Their stocks are stored in military custody at the Magazine in the Phoenix Park. Quarrymen and road contractors requiring supplies must obtain a certificate from the local Superintendent of the Gárda Síochána authorising issues. They then apply to one of the licensed dealers, who in turn arranges with the Chief Ordnance Officer at the Magazine for the transfer of the required quantity to the military barracks nearest the place of explosion. Ordinarily a mixed escort of troops and Gárdaí take the explosives to the quarry and wait until it has been used. Changes in the existing procedure are under immediate consideration with a view to obviating delays which have been occurring in meeting the needs of quarrymen and others in certain districts.
Is the Minister aware that that method which he has just described puts enormous expense on the ordinary small road contractor —to the extent, in one case which came under my notice recently, of about 10/- per shot fired? He has to supply a motor car to bring the troops out a few miles, and he has to supply a motor car to bring the troops back?
I am aware that there are complaints both on the head of delay and on the head of expense and, as I say, changes are under immediate consideration.