I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 35, 44, 47, 50, 70 and 88 together.
In November 1989 I met a deputation from the Arigna action committee who represent the Arigna miners and the power station workers where their concerns for the future of the mines and their future employment prospects were discussed. I am fully aware of the almost total dependency of the local economy on coal mining activities. However, it is widely recognised that the reserves of main seam coal are nearing exhaustion and the eventual cessation of mining activities is inevitable. A task force has, therefore, been established to look into alternative employment options in the region.
It is my intention that a permanent secretariat will be assigned to the task force in order that they can report to me and make solid recommendations within six months. The task force are under the chairmanship of the Roscommon county manager. The rest of the task force comprise the Leitrim and Sligo county managers representatives from Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo county development teams, Department of Industry and Commerce, Tourism and my Department. There are also representatives from the IDA, FÁS, Teagasc, Coillte Teoranta, the Central Development Committee, ESB, Ireland West and the tourism manager and the regional manager of CTT Sligo. The task force will be reporting their findings to me. The question of possible State contributions and measures which may be necessary to implement the task force's recommendations can be examined at that stage.
Because of uncertainty as to the quality and quantity of possible coal reserves I have instructed the Geological Survey Office to carry out an additional survey of the coal reserves at Arigna to get an accurate assessment of the usable reserves. They will be reported back to me within six weeks.
In order to give the task force the necessary breathing space to complete their job and so that the implications of the results of the geological survey's work can be evaluated, the ESB have agreed to continue to accept coal supplies from the local mines for the next six months.
The Minister for Finance has made an approach to the EC Commission arguing that a strong case exists to have Arigna included in the RECHAR programme as an exceptional case. The Commission's response is still awaited.