asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what action he proposes to take to reopen the Hollypark coal mines, County Laoighis, and provide employment for many miners and others who have no work in the area; and if he will meet a deputation comprising all the members for the constituency, the trade unions concerned and the parish priest of Toleston to discuss the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hollypark Coal Mines, Laoighis.
7.
Following on an unofficial strike the Hollypark coal mines closed in June last. When the company ceased trading a receiver had to be appointed under the terms of a debenture held by the bank in respect of a loan of £15,000 guaranteed under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts, 1939-54.
The receiver was unsuccessful in his efforts to dispose of the mine as a going concern and he has, therefore, no alternative but to sell the assets.
Steps were taken by me to promote a proposal for the acquisition of the property but were not successful. All concerned are, however, aware of my interest, and of my willingness to assist any practical proposition which offers the prospect of a resumption of production at the mines with a reasonable chance of success and permanency.
Acquisition by whom?
In a calm atmosphere, might I sincerely ask the Minister to be good enough, at his own convenience, to receive the Deputies for the constituency, together with the parish priest of Toleston, in order that the suggestions or proposals for the future of the Hollypark coal mines, on the lines of co-operative work, might be discussed? I am sure that, if he can, the Minister will see that employment will be given to the local workers who are now unemployed.
I have no reason to believe that any of these people have asked the Deputy to act as their intermediary.
The parish priest of Toleston, surely the Minister is aware, has made the request to Deputy Maher and also to myself to see the Minister on this matter. I have a feeling there has been no reply to date from the Minister. Might I now ask the Minister, on behalf of the parish priest of Toleston, to receive the Deputies for the constituency and also the local interests?
I will not accept the Deputy as an intermediary on behalf of those——
Would the Minister receive the other interests in order that something would be done for the workers concerned?
The Minister said in his reply that he had taken steps to promote a proposal for the acquisition of the mine. Acquisition by whom? Did I understand the Minister to say that?
I tried to promote a proposition for the acquisition of the mine which was then for sale as a going concern.
By the State?
No, by other interests.
By whom?
By anybody prepared to put money into it and to operate it.
I do not understand. The Minister said he took steps to promote the acquisition of the mine.
I said I took steps to promote the purchase of the mine by other interests.
What was the nature of the steps?
I do not think that is a question that should be asked.
Question No. 8.
I do not understand. The Minister does not own the mine. He is not proposing to acquire it on behalf of the State. What does that refer to?
The Minister has a trade loan guarantee outstanding in respect of it. Consequently, he would naturally be very interested in ensuring that the property would be acquired by somebody else who would be prepared to put money into it and make a success of it.
Was an offer made to any concern?
The mine was offered for sale through the public Press.