asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that not only the unemployment conditions, but other general circumstances in the Slievardagh area, County Tipperary, are such that there is a strong public demand in the area that something would be done at once in respect of the coal mines, and that it is important that an early decision would be taken on the report which has been made on these mines; and if he will state when he proposes to indicate to the House what the terms of the report are, and what action he proposes to take thereon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Slievardagh Coal Mines.
I am aware of the conditions in the Slievardagh coalfield area. The report on the mines is being considered as expeditiously as possible and until this consideration has been completed no useful statement can be made as to the action, if any, which may be taken.
Is the Minister aware that portions of this report were published in the Irish Press on October 8th, and that it appeared in the local Tipperary papers on the following day?
I am not so aware.
Is the Minister aware that people are pressing to know what the reason is why they have no information or knowledge of any report made to the Minister — a report a copy of which to the extent of two columns appeared in the Irish Press on the 8th of October?
I think the Deputy is misinformed.
Does the Minister read the Irish Press?
Carefully.