asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on (a) the investment by Taiscí Stáit in Ballingarry collieries, County Tipperary, (b) the prospects of continuing employment and of re-employment as a result and (c) the prospects of the collieries continuing in production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Collieries.
11.
To date, Taiscí Stáit Teoranta have not invested any moneys in Ballingarry Collieries Limited. Taiscí Stáit have, however, made an offer of certain financial assistance subject to a number of conditions which must be complied with before any investment can take place, and I understand that the necessary arrangements are being made to comply with these conditions. A recent report on the mine specially commissioned by Taiscí Stáit, indicates that there are workable reserves sufficient to justify the proposed Taiscí investment, and any moneys provided by Taiscí will be for the purpose of enabling production to be resumed on a continuing basis.
Can the Minister help in regard to the other part of the question, namely, what amount of investment has been offered to Ballingarry Collieries Limited, what level of employment will be preserved and what hope is there of new employment? The Minister will realise that this is not a criticism.
The question did not ask what had been offered and that is the reason I did not give the information. However, I think I can give it to the Deputy now. The offer is £168,000, to include a sum of £83,000 to meet wage cheques not met. In regard to employment, at the close-down the number of employed was approximately 250 persons.
Does the Minister hope to create a situation whereby 250 people would be employed in the foreseeable future?
The object would be to resume production on a full basis which would, I assume, mean approximately the same number of employees.
Can the Minister state how many are presently employed in the collieries—how many have gone back?
About 60 people.
I am calling Question No. 12.