asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he has received a request from the Carlow County Council to receive a deputation to discuss the immediate development of the Carlow and Killeshin coalfields and other mineral deposits in the area; and if he will state when he proposes to receive the deputation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Coalfields.
I have received a renewed request by way of a resolution passed by the Carlow County Council on the 21st instant that I should receive a deputation to discuss the immediate development of the Carlow-Killeshin coalfields and other deposits. A representative deputation from the Carlow-Killeshin area was received by officers of my Department on the 4th September last. On the occasion of that deputation and in correspondence it has been made clear to interested parties that, while any proposals for the development of the area would have my sympathetic consideration, it was essential that any such proposals should be reduced to a definite workmanlike form. Detailed proposals have not at any time since been submitted to me and until they are I do not consider that receiving the deputation proposed would serve any useful purpose.
Can the Minister say that he will receive a deputation if he gets these definite proposals?
It will then be considered.
That will happen in any case, will it not?