asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there is a danger that owing to inability to secure explosives for blasting, the quarries at Milverton, Skerries, Co. Dublin, may have to shut down, and whether, in order to avert the unemployment of a number of men, he will arrange to have the issue of explosives sanctioned without delay.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - EXPLOSIVES FOR BLASTING IN CO. DUBLIN.
I have made representations in this matter to the Military Authorities, and have been informed that the quantity of explosives required for use at the Milverton Quarries will be released immediately.
Can the Minister say what "immediately" means? Does it mean this week or next week?
In this particular instance it means what it says, because the explosives are at the moment in Gormanstown Camp awaiting removal by the consignee.
Can the Minister give an assurance that there will be no obstacles placed in future in the way of quarries getting sufficient explosives to carry on their work?
Is the Minister aware that there is general complaint of delay of this kind, and that this is responsible for a lot of unemployment?
The Minister is not aware of these complaints and cannot give an assurance, because it is not a matter for his Department.
Will the Minister bring these complaints before the Department responsible, and with a view to assisting his Department in the proper conduct of its business, will he impress on the responsible Department the necessity for removing any obstacle to the provision of employment?
Is not unemployment a question for the Minister's Department?
Unemployment is certainly, but the question of explosives for quarries is not. The Minister will do what Deputy Johnson suggests in such a way as not to offend the susceptibilities of the other Department concerned.