asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that three coal mines operated by Arigna Collieries, Limited, have been closed down and if, in view of the fact that the livelihood of between 300 and 400 workers in Counties Roscommon and Leitrim is affected, he will state whether any steps are being taken by him to assist the resumption of full production in these mines.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arigna Collieries.
andMr. S. Flynn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will use his good offices to secure a settlement of the dispute between Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann and Arigna Collieries, Limited, with a view to bringing the three Arigna coal mines in Counties Leitrim and Roscommon back into full production.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the serious unemployment that now exists in the Arigna coal mining industry and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to relieve the situation.
Mr. Lynch
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 13 and 14 together. I would refer the Deputies to my reply to a similar question by Deputy Gilbride on 9th December, 1953.
Inquiry from Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann has ascertained that the company has placed substantial orders for coal with suppliers in the Arigna area.
I am informed by C.I.E. that the board has authorised purchases of large coal from Arigna up to 100 tons per week, and that deliveries have averaged 70-80 tons per week.
The E.S.B. has also been purchasing Arigna coal to a limit of 100 tons per week, and is willing to continue accepting delivery notwithstanding the seasonal reduction of its coal requirements.
While I have urged on these organisations the desirability of maintaining their utilisation of Arigna coal until the commencement of operation of the new power station to be built in that area, I must make it clear that I cannot intervene on behalf of any one colliery owner as against another. So far as I am aware, Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann purchases Arigna coal on the basis of competitive tenders submitted by suppliers in response to Press advertisements.
With regard to the reference in the question to a dispute between Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann Teo. and Arigna Collieries, Limited, I understand that this related to a system of sampling and analysis of Arigna coal. Following a conference between the colliery company and the boards and companies purchasing Arigna coal, which certain Deputies and Senators attended, it was agreed that the director of Industrial Research and Standards should draw up a system of sampling and analysis. Such a system was prepared in due course by the director and, according to my information, was accepted by the companies.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the question I have asked I made no mention of a dispute in connection with Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann ? I merely mentioned the problems of the workers as the livelihood of 300 to 400 workers is involved. Can the Parliamentary Secretary hold out any hope that these workers will be re-employed in the near future, that the mines will be reopened in the near future ?
Mr. Lynch
As the answer conveys, the Minister is making every effort to encourage State-sponsored companies to use the coal. At the same time, he cannot advance the interest of one mining company as against the others. He is perfectly aware of the desirability of maintaining employment in the area pending the starting of the utilisation of coal for electricity generation.
I quite accept that the Minister is anxious to see employment given in the area. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it has become a habit with Arigna Collieries Limited to arrange to throw men out of work prior to a general election in order to put whatever Government is in office "on the spot," thereby gaining better terms for the firm itself ? In this particular dispute, no State company is involved. An attempt is being made by Arigna Collieries Limited to bring pressure to bear on the Government in order to get better terms for themselves, and in the dispute from 300 to 400 men are thrown out of employment. Will the Minister not take steps, in view of these circumstances, to see that Arigna Collieries Limited will take back these men until the dispute is settled and until further arrangements are made for the sale of the coal?
Mr. Lynch
I will convey the Deputy's request to the Minister.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary also convey this to the Minister? If a dispute like this happens now, what guarantee have we that when the power station is working this particular group, Arigna Collieries Limited, will not hold up a State company to ransom in connection with the production of coal?
That is a separate issue.
I am interested in the fact that there are from 300 to 400 men out of work.
I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary what progress has been made in connection with the analysis of samples of Arigna coal.
Mr. Lynch
The answer states that a system of analysis was prepared by the Director of Industrial Research and Standards and was accepted by the companies.
That analysis has been going on for ten years.