asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a considerable number of employees of the Benduff and Madranna slate quarries in County Cork have been disemployed through shortage of orders for slate; whether he is further aware that other slate quarries in West Cork are considering closing down, and what steps he proposes to take to secure that the market for local slate is retained for the local slate industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Benduff and Madranna Slate Quarries.
I am aware that there has recently been a slowing down of production in the slate industry as a whole due principally to a scarcity of orders resulting from the accumulation of stocks during the building strike. However, in view of the fact that prior to the strike the output of the industry was insufficient to meet the demand, there seems to be no reason for regarding the present difficulties, in West Cork or elsewhere, as being of other than a temporary character.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, would he say if these people have any slates in stock?
That is a separate question.