asked the Minister for Transport and Power if in view of the serious employment position which has arisen in the collieries due to slackness in demand for their products he is now in a position to say what steps will be taken to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment in Collieries.
5.
I cannot yet say what action will finally be taken in this matter. A decision will have to await completion of the examination of possible courses of action.
Could the Minister indicate whether, pending a full consideration of this matter, some temporary measures might be put into operation which would alleviate the position? As the Minister is no doubt aware, there has been considerable slackness in employment in the collieries, over a fairly protracted period. While one can understand difficulties in arriving at a permanent solution, some interim measure might be possible to alleviate the position until a solution is reached.
Some interim measures are being considered, and have been taken.