asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been directed to an advertisement, published over the signature of a resident in South Wales, offering for sale sites for collieries in Ireland, stated to contain thick seams of anthracite or ordinary coal; and whether such untapped sources of Irish coal will be investigated immediately by Míanraí, Teoranta.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Untapped Sources of Irish Coal.
I have seen the advertisement referred to. The person in question has been in correspondence with my Department and has forwarded ordnance sheets of the areas in which he claims that these coal seams exist. I am advised by the Geological Survey that there is no probability of locating a workable seam of coal within the area shown on these sheets.
Does the Minister think he ought to take some action in the matter if, in point of fact, the seams are not workable?
This person has inserted advertisements in the Irish Times. I cannot prevent him from inserting advertisements in the Irish Times. I am aware that other Irish newspapers were asked to insert the same advertisement but, following inquiries from my Department, they refused to do so.
Will the Government consider the introduction of legislation to prevent the sale of Irish land or Irish mining rights to foreigners or to foreign interests?
There is adequate legislation for dealing with the sale of Irish mining rights.
And land?
Am I to understand that the representations made in that advertisement are not, in fact, correct, and that such seams do not exist?
As far as I know, the individual in question owns no mining rights in this country and has no power to offer such mining rights to anyone else.
And, in point of fact, the minerals do not exist, although this individual says they do?
The Geological Survey says there is no probability——
Will the Minister say if the lands on which the mines are supposed to exist are subject to a Land Commission annuity?
I could not answer that question.
If the mines exist the Geological Survey knows about them.