asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what measures are being taken to develop the mineral resources of West Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Mineral Resources.
The development of mineral resources in West Cork and elsewhere is primarily a matter for private enterprise, and, under the Minerals Development Act, 1940, I am empowered to grant to persons, possessing adequate financial and technical resources, facilities for the exploration, development and working of mineral deposits.
At present private interests are in fact in touch with my Department in regard to the grant of facilities for certain areas in West Cork, and certain applications for facilities are under examination.
Is the Minister aware that I am getting that type of answer from his Department since I became a member of this House; and, if so, does he intend taking any practical steps or sending any persons from his Department down to that area to ascertain the nature of the mineral resources there? I have some samples here for the Minister if he cares to have them later on, or indeed any expert from his Department. I must say I am completely dissatisfied with the answer, as it means just putting this question on the long finger. It is time for him to cease following the example of his predecessor so far as West Cork is concerned and to ensure to that area the justice and fair play to which it is entitled. We have these mineral resources, but we take it now that the Minister is interested in the Vale of Avoca.
I am afraid the Deputy's enthusiasm for the interests of his constituents in West Cork has run away with his judgment on this matter and has clouded a normal approach to the problem. It is not sufficient to have minerals in West Cork, or anywhere else: it is necessary to ensure they are there in sufficient quantity to make it possible to work them economically and at the same time to ensure that people can be induced to put up money to work the minerals there. There is nothing to prevent all the citizens of West Cork coming together and deciding to work their own minerals. The fact that they have not proposed to do that is clear evidence that they themselves are not sure the minerals can be worked in that way. I am most anxious to extend facilities to anyone interested in the commercial exploitation of minerals in West Cork and/or anywhere else. That will continue to be my policy. I have at present proposals framed from a certain group who want to undertake an extensive area of reconnaissance in West Cork, with a view to discovering if there are minerals there and their extent. I have informed them that if they submit satisfactory proposals not merely for surveying the place but subsequently working it, I will be glad to extend the necessary facilities. The Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter in which one must convince the people who have money that the minerals can be successfully exploited commercially.
Have we not submitted proposals to the Department time and again that these minerals are there? I have here in my pocket a sample of minerals which I received just to-day. I would like to know what steps are being taken by the Department to make a survey of the mineral resources of West Cork. I believe that is a matter for the Minister's attention. It is very hard to expect different individuals in West Cork to say whether or not such a mineral is worth exploration or subsequent development. I have the samples here for the Department.
The Deputy is making a speech.
The Deputy will realise it is not sufficient to produce samples of minerals. Every Deputy could produce some samples. It is necessary to find people who are convinced that the investment of their money in the minerals which they cannot see underground will be economically rewarding to them over a substantial period. That is the problem presented to me, as it was to my predecessor and as it will be the problem of every successive Minister for Industry and Commerce.
What we expect to get from the Minister is some survey——
The Deputy must resume his seat.
——and some report on these resources. That is something which he has consistently refused to give.
The Deputy must resume his seat.
I am only asking a question.