Vol. 215 No. 9
andMr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that three collieries in County Laois have recently closed down; and that Deerpark Colliery, Castlecomer is working only alternate weeks; and if he has any proposals at present for action to promote recovery and further development in the mining industry generally.
3.
andMr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that, following redundancy and reduced working hours now occuring at other collieries, considerable apprehension now exists among the miners at Ballingarry Collieries, County Tipperary with regard to possible redundancy in the near future; whether his attention has been drawn to the statement by the Irish Anthracite Producers' Association regarding the harm done to the Irish anthracite industry by British imports; and if he will put into practice the suggestion of the Association that imports be restricted by quota in order to safeguard the employment of the miners at all Irish collieries.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to take Questions Nos. 2 and 3 together.
I am aware that anthracite producers are experiencing difficulty in disposing of their output, and that as a consequence three collieries are at present closed and another working short time. My Department and the Buy Irish Committee are jointly investigating the position and have had discussions with the Irish Anthracite Producers' Association and with the principal Dublin coal importers.
Imports of anthracite in 1964 were ten per cent less than in 1963 and imports in the first two months of this year were five per cent less than in the corresponding period of 1964. Production of Irish anthracite in 1964 was ten per cent higher than in 1963. Exports of anthracite fell from 14,600 tons in 1963 to 6,400 tons in 1964. There is evidence of a falling off in the demand for anthracite due to competition from other fuels, particularly oil.
The possibility of remedial measures is being actively investigated but the proposal to restrict imports must be considered in the context of the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreement.
