asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the European Community made any moneys available to Ireland for technical research in the coal industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Industry Research.
1.
I am not aware that any funds were made available for this purpose. It is a matter for individual concerns involved in the coal-mining business to make application direct to the EEC Commission, in respect of any projects in which they are interested and these concerns have been informed of the aids available. Any assistance which may be needed in preparing applications will be provided by the relevant Government Departments.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider it worth his Department's while to seek money for this purpose from the EEC in view of the fact that they have over two million tons of coal left in Ballingarry coal mines?
The question refers to assistance for technical research. I understand that the treaty establishing the Coal and Steel Community provides that applications of this nature should be made by the commercial concerns, which are directly involved. If any of the firms concerned wish to make such applications, the assistance will be made available to them in the preparation of these by the relevant Departments, including my own.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that nobody actually owns these mines at the moment because they are in the hands of the State receiver?
This question relates to technical research.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary categorically stating that if the operators of Rossmore colleries in County Laois make application for assistance that he is in a position, with the officials of this Department, to give practical assistance to them in the preparation of an application?
The position is that technical research involves financing for matters such as production, distribution, utilisation and safety. Different Departments would assist them in relation to different items of research and, therefore, it would not exclusively be the Department of Industry and Commerce which would be giving assistance.
The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned production. Surely this is the most relevant aspect, when we think of Ballingarry mines, where there are over two million tons of coal?
Yes, if technical research is required.
Of course, it is because the seam is not big enough in that area. That is where the technical assistance is required. Does the Parliamentary Secretary agree with that or will he have the matter looked into?
If technical research is required, an application can be made.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree in the case of a seam that is not wide enough for economic purposes that some technical research might be undertaken?
If the Deputy wants information relating to Ballingarry, I suggest that he address a specific question on that matter.
Question No. 2.
If the State are controlling Ballingarry, surely the State will have to apply to the State for the grant for technical research?
If the Deputy wants specific information relating to Ballingarry I suggest he puts down a specific question. The same applies in relation to Rossmore.
The Parliamentary Secretary indicated that there were a number of different Departments that could assist. In view of the fact that there are so many Departments involved in the administration of assistance towards technical research, would the Parliamentary Secretary consider co-ordinating all the work?
I have no information to the effect that lack of coordination is the problem in relation to the coal industry; the problem is the nature of the seams and their economic character.