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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1971

Vol. 257 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Collieries.

31.

asked the Minister for Finance when it is intended to reopen Ballingarry Collieries, County Tipperary; and if the full complement of workers previously employed will be maintained.

32.

asked the Minister for Finance when the money for Ballingarry Collieries, County Tipperary, will be made available; and when the outstanding cheques will be paid.

With your permission, a Cheann Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos 31 and 32 together.

I understand that arrangements for a loan by Taiscí Stáit Teoranta to Ballingarry Collieries are virtually completed and that a formal loan agreement will be concluded within the next two weeks at most. Provision is being made that all RD wages cheques will be honoured in full on the conclusion of the agreement. The intention is that the collieries will resume full production as soon as possible thereafter with the re-employment of the workers who were laid off earlier this year.

Is the Minister aware that there is an unofficial picket on the mine at the moment, and that an unofficial semi-union group are drawn up, to withdraw the pumpmen from the mine within one week? If this happens the mine will be flooded. In view of this matter I would ask the Minister to expedite payment of the cheques and money and the re-opening of the mine.

I am not aware of the position as stated by Deputy Davern. If that is the position I would deplore it because the withdrawal of the pumpmen could lead to the permanent closure of the mine. Any delay which is occurring in completion of the legal arrangements is not occurring on the official side.

Why was the Minister not aware of the situation when I have been aware of what has been happening for the last three weeks? Unless I get Ballingarry anthracite, both my house and restaurant will have no heating.

I am sure the Minister is aware that the mines have been closed for nine months. Would the Minister reassure all concerned that the necessary co-operation will be forthcoming from the owner of the mine and from the two State representatives I understand the Minister is about to appoint and the board of Taiscí Stáit Teoranta? Would the Minister assure us that this is the end of the crux, that all the men can be reinstated in employment quickly.

I think the attitude of Taiscí Stáit and the other State agencies involved has been one of co-operation and anxiety to get the mine reopened. I can assure the House that is still the position. As far as my information goes, the legal arrangements concerning the loan should be completed within two weeks at the most and thereafter the mines should reopen. It would probably take from four to six weeks to have all the men back and when they are back there is no reason the mines should not continue in operation on a permanent basis.

The remaining question will appear in tomorrow's Order Paper.

Would the Minister consider it desirable to pay all creditors without distinction?

I could not undertake that.

I am concerned about the good name and reputation——

The Deputy wants the workers to be out of work for Christmas and for Deputy Donegan to be without his anthracite.

Could I have written replies to Questions Nos. 35 and 36?

Nos. 35 and 36—yes.

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