asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that serious unemployment is likely to result from a continuation of the present shortage of cement; that schemes undertaken by local authorities, for the relief of unemployment around the Christmas period, are likely to be held up; and if he is prepared to make a statement on the matter.

As I have explained to the Dáil, the present production of cement is the maximum of which the existing factories are capable. The prospects of importing cement in substantial quantities are not good. It is, therefore, obvious that schemes of work involving the use of cement will have to be kept within the limits of the available supply. There would be no advantage in employment in diverting cement from building and constructional operations to relief schemes. This does not mean that relief schemes cannot be undertaken but may necessitate a change in their character, and I assume that the officers of local authorities responsible for the administration of such schemes are giving consideration to this problem.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the difficulties experienced by builders in securing supplies of cement; and if so, if he will take steps to see that a more equitable distribution system is adopted.

I am aware that during recent weeks builders have experienced difficulty in securing delivery of all the cement they wished to purchase.

The factories of Cement Limited are in full production, but demand shows signs of exceeding the amount that can be produced. Discussions are at present proceeding with the directors of Cement Limited regarding the steps which should be taken to secure that any shortage which may occur will not interrupt work which is urgent.