asked the Minister for Finance when full employment will be resumed at Ballingarry collieries, Tipperary, and if he will state the reason for the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Collieries.
57.
A loan agreement between Taiscí Stáit Teoranta and Ballingary Collieries was concluded in December and the intention at the time was that the collieries would get back into full production as quickly as possible. I understand that the management of the collieries are now of the view that substantial additional capital will be required and that plans for a resumption of work are being delayed on this account. The question whether substantial additional capital will in fact be required is being examined and it will be some weeks before the matter can be decided.
Is the Minister not aware that the Ballingarry mines have been closed now for almost 12 months, that despite the legal formalities entered into, and which were completed in December last, production has not yet recommenced and that there is only a skeleton staff working there? Is he aware that there are more than 200 men unemployed? In the circumstances is it not disgraceful, despite all the endeavours and representations that were made in this whole matter——
The Deputy is making a speech.
——that the mines are still virtually closed? The unemployment benefit being paid to the men is running out and their families are in dire distress.
The statements made by the Deputy in the earlier part of his supplementary question are correct. As I have said, the position is that legal formalities were completed and the money which was to be made available has been made available. The non-opening of the mines at this stage is due to the factors I have mentioned and is a matter of as much disappointment to me as it is to the Deputy.
Have all the moneys been made available to the mining company?
All the moneys that were to be made available at that time have been made available. There is no question of the mines not re-opening because of the arrangements made not being complied with.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.