asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that owing to the closing of a woollen mills in Galway great hardship has been caused to residents of South Connemara areas as they cannot get wool raised by themselves spun into bainín and ceanasna for traditional dress; and what steps he proposes to take to assist the spinning of bainín and ceanasna in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Galway Woollen Mills.
35.
I have received no representations from persons in South Connemara in regard to difficulties about the spinning of wool produced by them. I understand that there is a woollen mill operating in County Galway which is in a position to undertake the spinning of wool produced in the area referred to by the Deputy.
Will the Minister indicate where the woollen mill is?
Clifden.
Is the Minister aware that I asked the question about South Galway. Clifden is about 50 miles away. I asked if the Minister was aware of this hardship. It would be a greater hardship if these people had to go 50 miles to have their wool spun.
Look at your question again.
South Connemara is referred to in the question.
But the mill is in North Connemara and there is no bus service to bring the wool there. The Minister has not replied to the question. I asked him if he was aware of the hardship and what steps he intends to take.
The service which millers of Clifden will have available will be advertised in the press. I think the Deputy should give an opportunity to the people themselves to decide whether or not to use the service which will be available.
What form will the service take? For generations, the people have been bringing the wool into Galway town in bags to have it spun. Surely the Minister does not expect them to go 50 miles, when there is no bus service? Is there to be no reply from the Minister?
I understand that the service will be to take their production and pay for it. I do not know how far the Deputy would go to have the service at the door of the producer.