asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the resolution passed by the South Tipperary Board of Health advocating the re-opening of the Slievardagh Coal Mines, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary, and whether he proposes to take any steps to further this matter.

I have received a copy of a resolution passed by the Board of Health advocating that the Government should acquire these mines and grant public money to provide plant for developing them.

I have no powers to follow the course proposed, but have informed the Board of Health that I would give such assistance as is possible to any persons who had satisfied themselves that it would be an economic proposition for them to undertake the re-opening of the mines.

Is the Minister aware that members of his own Party informed the miners and other people in the immediate vicinity of the Slievardagh Mines that when the Fianna Fáil Government would take office they would take over the mines and work them?

I am not so aware.

Is the Minister prepared to give any financial assistance provided a local company is formed?

If any local company is formed and puts a proposition to the Department, it will be sympathetically considered.

Is the Minister prepared to advance any cash? That is what we want; sympathy is no good to us.

State assistance will be given in support of any practical scheme put forward by people prepared to risk their own cash behind it.

Hear, hear!