asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the widespread unemployment and hardship to hundreds of families involved in the Ballingarry, Thurles, area from the destruction by fire of the Carroll system building firm and the serious redundancy in the coalmining industry; and if he will provide the maximum State aid as a matter of urgency so that all the workers involved may be re-employed quickly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballingarry (Tipperary) Unemployment.
3.
I am aware of the present situation in the area. With regard to the Carroll systems building firm, the Industrial Development Authority, in consultation with my Department, are considering the question of assistance as a matter of urgency.
In the case of the coal-mines my Department is also actively considering, in conjunction with the colliery company, what means are possible to deal with the problems facing the enterprise.
I am grateful for the assurance of the Minister that the matter is being treated as one of urgency. Might I ask if the Minister would consider giving to the Ballingarry area similar facilities as are available in the Castlecomer area, as there is an emergency in that area?
As I indicated yesterday in reply to a question from the Deputy, I am not of opinion at this stage that this action would be justified or necessary. As I also indicated, I am hopeful that the difficulties which exist at present will be overcome in the not too distant future.
In regard to the coal-mines in Ballingarry would the Minister give every possible consideration and assistance to the miners and to the marketing of this product by ensuring that within Government circles and within the various Departments coal will be used instead of oil?
I am aware of what the Deputy has in mind and I can assure him that the Minister for Transport and Power is conscious of this also and is investigating that position.
Could the Minister tell us how many people are unemployed in the area?
On the live register?
I am looking for official information about the number who are unemployed there.
I do not have the figures here today. I had them yesterday if the Deputy had asked me.