asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the necessity of increasing the production of turf and native fuel and thus helping to stem emigration, the Government will consider making it obligatory to use only native fuel in all offices, buildings and institutions under Government and local authority control and also in all State and semi-State concerns; and, further, whether a survey will be made for the purpose of establishing the quantity of native fuel necessary for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Native Fuel.
So far as Government offices, buildings and institutions are concerned, it has been the practice for many years to use only native fuel except where it is unsuitable for particular purposes. As regards State and semi-State bodies, I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to Deputy Hickey on 26th October, 1949. The compulsory use of native fuel by local authorities is a matter for consideration by other Ministers, but I am aware that these authorities have been urged to substitute native for imported fuel wherever possible. In the circumstances, a survey as suggested by the Deputy would not appear to be necessary.
Would the Minister not consider it the duty of the Government and of local authorities to set a good example in connection with the buying of Irish products and the burning of Irish fuel?
A good example in both respects and by both authorities has been set to a very full extent.
Is the Minister aware that there are a number of civic bodies in the country who are, at the present moment, anxious to foster the use of peat and home-produced coal in private concerns as well as companies, and that it would be a great encouragement to other bodies like these if the State bodies set a good example by using native fuel?
State bodies have for a number of years set the example and are using native fuel to the fullest extent possible. If there are any other bodies, public or private, who wish to use native fuel, there is nothing in the world to stop them. There is plenty available.
Is the Minister aware that, as regards native fuel, a good many State concerns do not use it and are not anxious to use it?