asked the Minister for Finance whether his attention has been drawn to the quality of the fuel supplied to the Haulbowline National Schools; if he has considered the report of the Medical Officer of Health for the district, which states that the results of the combustion of the fuel supplied would tend to cause laryngitis and bronchitis; and, if so, whether he will consider supplying more suitable coal to the National Schools on the Island.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - HAULBOWLINE NATIONAL SCHOOLS. THE COAL SUPPLY.
Mr. M.J. CORRY
MICHEAL O hAONGHUSA
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Office of Public Works has refused to supply the National Schools at Haulbowline Dockyard with a small quantity of British house coals out of stock at the dockyard: whether he is aware that the German and CzechoSlovakian coals stored at the dockyard burn badly, and, if used, would be highly dangerous to the health of the children attending the schools; and, if so, whether, in view of the necessity of heating the schools, he will instruct the Office of Public Works to supply immediately the required quantity of good house coals to the schools.
Mr. BOURKE
In reply to Questions 5 and 6, I have not seen any report from the Medical Officer of Health. I am aware that the coal is of poor quality; it belongs to a large stock which was purchased by the Government at the time of the coal strike in 1926. All the institutions and many private persons on Haulbowline Island are using this coal, which has also been used at many public institutions, barracks, etc., throughout the country. No previous evidence has been adduced as to its injurious effects on health, but I will have an investigation made.
Mr. CORRY
If the Parliamentary Secretary is given a certificate from the Medical Officer of Health as to the effect of this coal on the health of the children, will he re-consider the matter?
Mr. BOURKE
I am going to have investigations made, anyway.
Mr. CORRY
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this coal—or material—was bought as war-like stores for the purpose of making poison-gas?