With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.
Two parties, one a UK company, the other an Irish company active in the Leinster Coalfield at present, have expressed interest to the liquidator in taking over the Rossmore mine and I understand that the Irish company have had certain discussions with the liquidator in the matter. Both interests have been provided by my Department with the fullest possible information on the mine and they have been encouraged to enter into early negotiations with the liquidator. If a suitable purchaser comes forward I will be very pleased to give my consent to the assignment of the Rossmore State mining leases to the new operator. The question of re-opening of the Rossmore mine has been treated by my Department with urgency and with full concern for the men disemployed as a result of closure of the mine. Since closure my Department have been in touch with a number of other possible purchasers but for various reasons they did not pursue their interest to finality.
