asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what steps have been taken by his Department to ascertain the coal-bearing qualities of the Firoda (Castlecomer) district, and, if no steps have been taken, whether he will arrange to have a survey made.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CASTLECOMER COALFIELDS.
A preliminary inspection of this area was made by an expert from my Department some time ago, but for the preparation of an adequate report it is considered necessary to have the information which would be provided by a revision of the geological maps of the Leinster coalfield which was then being undertaken. Owing to more urgent work it has since been found necessary to interrupt this revision, but I shall endeavour to have it expedited as far as practicable.
That is the same reply substantially that the Minister gave to Deputy Holohan six months ago. Am I to understand that at the end of another six or twelve months I will get the same answer?
It depends on whether the necessity for the interruption of the work has ceased or not.