asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of and can state the terms of an agreement arranged between the National Land Bank with the consent and approval of the Department of Industry and Commerce, and the representatives of the mine workers at Wolfhill Colliery whereby the latter agreed to work the mine for an experimental period of one month; whether he is aware that the men were not allowed to start work until December 13th, 1924; whether he is prepared to recommend an extension of the agreement until January 13th, 1925, or, some such later date as an agreement is arrived at for the future working of the colliery upon an economic basis; whether he has been furnished with reports from mining engineers regarding the available coal resources in this area and recommendations for the better working of the mines, and if he will agree to circulate copies of such reports for the information of Deputies or have same laid upon the Table of the Dáil, and also state what, if any, action the Department proposes taking in reference to the reports referred to.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WOLFHILL COLLIERY.
I am not aware of any agreement of the kind mentioned, and so cannot offer any opinion as to its renewal. I am, however, in communication with the Minister for Industry and Commerce on the subject, but at present see no reason for extending the date of the closing down of the colliery beyond 31st December next.
As regards the remainder of the question, I have seen a recent expert report on the subject of the coal resources of this area, but as the report was not to my Department or any other Department of the Government, I cannot undertake to lay it on the Table.
Is the Minister aware that part of the terms of agreement means that the workers, in this particular industry, agreed to forego their legal rights to unemployment benefit to the extent of £250 a week; that the extension of the operations there only means a payment of £120 a week; and will he take these important factors into consideration when dealing with the claims for an extension of the period?
I am not really aware of that. I saw a short reference to it in the Press, but I have no actual information in regard to it. I will, however, consult with the Minister for Industry and Commerce on the matter.
Is the Minister aware that negotiations are going on for the working of the colliery on an economic basis, and if it is closed on the 31st December, and is allowed to be flooded, that there is no use in pursuing these negotiations any further?
I am not aware of that, but I am aware that if the colliery is allowed to be flooded the negotiations cannot be usefully pursued.