asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what steps he proposes to take to ensure that production of Irish anthracite will be increased sufficiently to supply the country's needs for all purposes, including heating, and whether he will state how the cost of the American, South African and Welsh anthracite bought within the past year compares with that of Irish anthracite.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Anthracite Production.
The production of Irish anthracite is limited mainly by the shortage of skilled labour and while efforts have been made to increase the skilled labour supply, there are no good grounds for anticipating any material increase in the output of the mines in the near future.
The price of Irish anthracite is lower than the c.i.f. price of anthracite imported from the United States, South Africa or Wales.