asked the Minister for Transport and Power what is now the actual position regarding coal mining in Laois; and if any improvement has taken place that would put him in a position to say when mining operations in mines there might be resumed.

: I understand that two of the five mines in County Laois are now working but that the other three are still closed. I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 15th June regarding the steps being taken to alleviate the anthracite producers' difficulties. It is too early to assess the effect of these steps on the operations of the mines in County Laois.