asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that a great amount of uneasiness prevails in the coal mining areas, especially in Leitrim-Sligo and North Roscommon, by reason of the closing down of many coal mines and the reduction of the number of employees in all the others, with the result that hundreds of men who have no other means of employment have been thrown out of work; and if in the circumstances he will take steps to ensure that at least a fair proportion of Irish coal is used by Córas Iompair Éireann and by industrial firms operating in this country.

The problem of the disposal of coal produced in the coal mining areas of Leitrim, Sligo and North Roscommon has been under examination in my Department and an officer of the Department is at present engaged in a local investigation of the position.