asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that smiths and others in and around Thurles, who hold permits for the purchase of fuel for the purpose of their trade cannot, since the revocation of the fuel licence of Messrs. P. O'Meara and Sons, Main Street, Thurles, obtain the necessary fuel, and hence are deprived of plying their trade; and, if so, if he will take steps to make suitable fuel available for these persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thurles Fuel Supplies.
No evidence has been submitted to my Department to show that the cancellation of the fuel merchant's licence held by the firm referred to has resulted in permit holders in the Thurles area being unable to secure supplies of coal. Such persons are at liberty to purchase coal under and in accordance with their permits from any licensed fuel merchant. Five other merchants in the town of Thurles and at least ten in the neighbourhood of Thurles hold fuel merchant's licences.
I am referring to smiths' forges that cannot get coal to suit their requirements. The coal slack supplied by some firms does not suit the requirements of certain smiths for welding and other purposes. I can give the Minister the names of smiths who require a certain type of coal. Will the Minister see that they can get it?
I cannot undertake to do that.
Turf briquettes and slack will not do the work that has to be done in these places. As suitable coal is available why not transfer it to places at which smiths can get it?