asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a mineral survey has been made in Connemara; and, if so, with what result and if not if it is intended to have such a survey made.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Survey — Connemara.
Surveys in Connemara have been made by the Geological Survey on many occasions and as recently as 1940, 1941 and 1942. These surveys have revealed indications of mineralisation in certain areas. The results of earlier surveys have been published, and the results of the more recent surveys are available in the Geological Survey Office to any persons interested in the commercial development of minerals, which is, of course, a matter for private enterprise.
Has not the Minister's colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, a survey which was made in 1950 or 1951 of the mineral resources of Connemara?
No.
I beg the Minister for Industry and Commerce to apply to his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, and to ask him about the very interesting survey dealing with the deposits of molybdenum in Roundstone and copper and lead in the Maam valley. The contents of that report never reached me but I understand that the report reached my successor after I left office.
The most recent survey which was made in Connemara was that made in 1942 by the Geological Survey.
The survey of which I am speaking was carried out, I think, by one of the best mining engineers in the world. The report was made to the Minister for Agriculture in connection with the Connemara development plan. I think that, subsequently, the Minister for Agriculture told me he had received the report and examined it. The Minister for Industry and Commerce should consult the Minister for Agriculture and ask him about the matter.
Communication between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Industry and Commerce is now a little freer——
It seems to have broken down in this regard. I understood the Department of Agriculture had moved over to Kildare Street.