asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, with reference to the Clare phosphates, (a) the aggregate monthly output since January, 1941; (b) the monthly output of the Mineral Development Company since they started operations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Phosphates.
From the figures available in my Department, it is estimated that the aggregate monthly output of Clare phosphates for the 18 months ended September last was 1,100 tons approximately. The average monthly output by Comhlucht Lorgtha agus Forbartha Mianraí, Teoranta, since it started operations works out at 730 tons approximately.
Does that figure represent a progressive increase in the output?
There must be some increase as a result of the operations of the Mineral Development Company. That company has undertaken the job of working deposits which require a great deal of preliminary activity. Private enterprise was working that portion of the deposits which could be managed by quarrying operations. The new company has to work the deposits by means of mining, and it will be some time before it is possible for them to reach the maximum output.
Is the Minister satisfied with the output, having regard to the importance of supplying phosphates as soon as possible for agricultural purposes, and the time that the company has been in operation?
Being fully aware of the difficulties the company has experienced, and the lack of adequate equipment, I am satisfied that it could not have done better than it has done.