asked the Minister for Finance if he will state in detail the arrangements now made with the management of Ballingarry collieries for future operations; if these arrangements include measures to secure long-term security for all the employees and maximum production from the mines; and when measures of this nature will come into effect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballingarry Collieries.
13.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by me in Dáil Éireann yesterday to Question No. 57.
The Minister will be aware of the feelings of frustration and deep disappointment shared by all the people who worked so hard in the past nine or 12 months to save this industry. Despite their endeavours the Minister must be aware that not one ounce of coal has yet been produced and that the mines are operating on a skeleton staff with over 200 of the men still unemployed. In all the circumstances does the Minister not feel that it is his duty to intervene, especially in view of the large State subvention involved and the fact that two State representatives have now been appointed to the board of directors? Will the Minister intervene directly to bring about a reopening of the mine pending——
This is a very long question. It is a speech.
——the provision of extra capital accommodation, as necessary?
I am aware of the position which, as I indicated yesterday, is that for a matter of some weeks it will not be possible to receive the proposals in regard to additional capital required, but the Deputy may be assured that I have been keeping in very close personal touch with this matter and I am continuing to do so. I think I indicated yesterday that I am particularly concerned and disappointed at the present position.
Is this sufficient? The Minister will appreciate that a statement was issued last December through the mass media indicating that the whole matter had been resolved, that the legal formalities had been dealt with and a large State subvention allocated. Are we to take it——
We cannot discuss this question all the evening.
——that all the men involved, the 250 miners at Ballingarry, are being made a pawn in an unscrupulous and callous game between the Minister and the mine owners and is this not a disgraceful situation?
The Deputy may not make a speech on this matter.
There is no basis whatever for that suggestion.
The people have a right to know what is happening. This is such an important matter that, having regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply and the Chair's decision not to allow me to ventilate the matter properly here, I feel I have no option but to ask the permission of the Chair to arise the matter on the Adjournment.
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.