asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether his attention has been drawn to reports that unless a market is found for Arigna coal some additional unemployment will arise in County Leitrim; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure a greater utilisation of Arigna coal by Córas Iompair Éireann, the Electricity Supply Board, State-sponsored corporations, Government Departments and local government institutions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arigna Coal.
I am aware of reports of the nature referred to by the Deputy. The purchase and sale of Arigna coal is a commercial matter which is best dealt with by direct contact between the interests involved. I have no doubt that, provided it is offered for sale in a suitably graded marketable condition of reasonably constant quality, Arigna coal can compete, quality for quality, with imported basis it will be purchased by the undertakings named in the question.
Would the Minister consider asking Córas Iompair Éireann to examine the possibility of, if necessary, adapting some of their engines for the utilisation of this coal?
Is the Minister aware that there is a strong bias amongest the engineering section of Córas Iompair Éireann against Arigna coal, and that is the real reason why it is not being used?
Actually, the position is that Córas Iompair Éireann were using this coal up to last year, when they were unable to obtain further supplies. Now the availibility of this coal for Córas Iompair Éireann is in issue again, and so far as I know the only question is one of quality.
The coal was available in other years, and Córas Iompair Éireann would not take it because they could get British and American coal. That is what happened.
Would the Minister not ask Córas Iompair Éireann to examine the possibility of designing fire boxes suitable for the burning of that coal?
The answer I gave Deputy McQuillan covers that point. Córas Iompair Éireann were using Arigna coal, whether mixed with other coal or not I cannot say, until last year. In the prevailing circumstances then that coal ceased to be available. So far as I know there is no technical problem in relation to the utilisation of this coal in any public undertaking provided the coal is available in sufficient quantities and provided the quality is of the standard required. One of the difficulties is the ash content.
That is why I suggested the designing of the special fire boxes. I understand there is unemployment in the Arigna district as a result of the difficulty encountered in selling the coal. If Córas Iompair Éireann could absorb the quantity that is available that unemployment would not exist.
If we have coal in the country is there not every reason why we should insist that it should be used in the country? We are paying £3 10s. a ton alone for freight on coal from America. We have coal and we will not use it.
It is not quite so simple as that. As I have said already, Arigna coal can be used and will be purchased at present prices by any person who requires coal of that type. The point I made in my reply was that the arrangement of contracts between colliery owners and the commercial users of the coal is solely a matter for them. I met the representatives of some of the colliery owners and other persons interested some time ago and I tried to press that point of view on them. I do not think it is fair that the onus of finding a market for the coal should be placed entirely on the Government. I think it is primarily the concern of the commercial interests.
As a responsible Minister, is it not the Minister's duty to find out who is to blame in the matter?