asked the Minister for Transport and Power if the Government will consider the setting up of a coal development board on the same lines as Bord na Móna in order to utilise the vast and proven reserves of coal in this country.
6.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Mining Industry.
5.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make available substantial financial assistance, whether by way of loan or grant, to all existing companies engaged in coal mining in this country in order that they they may keep their mines open and continue to provide employment in coal mining areas.
7.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will consult with the ESB in regard to the possibility of the erection and construction of a coal-fired generating station in the Doonane area, County Laois, where great unemployment has been caused as a result of the closing of local coal mines; and if he will have such a proposal examined by the Board and the Government as soon as possible.
8.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will now make an order putting a stop to the import of anthracite into this country in view of the closing of mines and the large-scale unemployment in the industry; and, if not, if he will give the reasons as to why he can not make such an order.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8 together.
As I have indicated in replies to previous questions, anthracite producers are experiencing difficulty in disposing of their output. These difficulties appear to be due to a falling off in demand due partly to competition from other fuels and partly to the mild winter.
Following inquiries I have made of the British authorities in the context of the Anglo-Irish Trade Agreements, I understand that it is expected that graded anthracite imports during the next few months will be at a level which will enable the producers to meet their short term difficulties. The situation will be kept under review and should it become apparent that the desired result is not being achieved, the matter will again be taken up with the British authorities. In the meantime the opportunity will be taken for a full examination by myself and the Minister for Industry and Commerce of the industry's problems with a view to providing a permanent solution for them.
All possible solutions including those referred to in the Deputy's questions will be considered.
Does the Minister not consider that the time has come for finding a permanent solution to this problem and in order to have a definite policy for the development of our coal resources, does he not consider the time now opportune for the setting up of a board, under which there will be national investment in coal, on much the same lines as Bord na Móna?
That is a completely different matter.
It arises out of Question No. 5 which relates to the setting up of a coal development board.
It does not arise.
Has the Minister or the Government given any consideration to the question of setting up a coal development board on the same lines as Bord na Móna?
All questions involved in trying to secure continued production of the coal mines and all aspects of the problem will be examined. That is all I can say now.