asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the closure of Ballingarry Collieries, County Tipperary, resulting in the loss of employment for over 200 men and what steps are being taken to have the mines reopened, the company properly financed to meet all its commitments to its workers and compensate traders for the losses sustained in the issue of cheques by the company amounting to thousands of pounds which have been dishonoured by the banks.
Private Notice Question: - Closure of Ballingarry Collieries.
I am aware of the situation to which the Deputy refers.
I do not accept the implication in the question that it is the responsibility of the State to take over the company's financial obligations. However, I stated on 28th January, 1971, in reply to previous questions that the Government Departments concerned were examining the situation to see whether there was any way in which the firm could be assisted in solving its problems. As a result, negotiations for the provision of certain financial assistance for the firm had in recent weeks been brought to an advanced stage. In these circumstances the reasons for the present closure of which I received no prior notice require to be clarified.
Is the Minister aware of the very grave social and economic consequences and the very grave financial losses involved for a large number of people in the whole region of Tipperary and Kilkenny resulting from the financial difficulties in which this mining company find themselves? Can we prevail on the Minister to expedite his representations in the whole matter so that the mines can be reopened very speedily?
If the Deputy is that concerned he should have attended the meeting on Good Friday.
Good Friday was a bit too late.
Maybe the Deputy will give them employment on the Rock with his cousins.
It is arising from my concern with regard to the situation that the certain financial assistance to which I referred is being made available.
May I take it that the financial accommodation now being provided will ensure that all the creditors are paid and all cheques honoured to the extent of 20s in the £.
This is the intention in regard to wages cheques and certain preferential creditors.