asked the Taoiseach the total number of persons at present employed in mining in the State, distinguishing between (a) coal (b) copper (c) lead, zinc and (d) other metals.

At mid-March 1968, the latest date for which particulars are available at present, the number of persons engaged in coal mining was approximately 1,000 and in metal ore mining it was approximately 700. Separate particulars for the numbers engaged in different types of metal ore mining are not available.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the number of persons employed in mining activities is on the increase?

I could not give that information.

The Parliamentary Secretary does not know the prospects for an increase in employment in this type of mining?

As the Deputy will have seen in today's papers, it has been announced that an up-to-date geological survey is being conducted at present, and I presume that information might be available quite soon.

Could one be optimistic about employment?

One can never be optimistic about employment in mining, as the Deputy should know.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if there is a concentrated effort being made to develop mining in this country?

That has been carried on for the past two or three years.

Twelve years, to be exact.