asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state what action has recently been taken by his Department to assist the reopening of the Bantry, Dreenlomane and Clonakilty Barytes Mines, West Cork.

Enquiries have recently been received from persons interested in the working of barytes deposits and such information as is available in regard to this mineral has been placed at their disposal. The deposits mentioned in the question were amongst those to which attention was drawn.