asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any representations have been made to him regarding the development of the sulphur, copper and ochre mines in the Avoca district; whether he is aware that there are large deposits of minerals in this district and that until comparatively recent times the sulphur mined in Avoca adequately supplied the needs of this country; whether he is aware that the property has fallen into the hands of a small number of private owners who are keeping it out of production, and whether in view of the great potentialities of the district the failure of private enterprise to exploit the mineral wealth available and the large number of unemployed men in this thickly populated area he is prepared to acquire and exploit the property in question as a State enterprise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Avoca Mines.
Representations have been made to me regarding the development of the sulphur, copper and ochre mines in the Avoca district, and I am informed that there are considerable deposits of minerals in the area, some of which were extensively worked in the past. I understand the ownership of the deposits to be in private hands, but the fact that they are not being worked at present may be attributable to price and other economic factors. The development of mineral resources generally is a matter primarily for private enterprise and I am not prepared under present circumstances to undertake the acquisition and exploitation on behalf of the State of the mines referred to in the Deputy's question.