I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
I have seen reports of certain difficulties arising in connection with compensation for the use of land for mining purposes at Tynagh, County Galway.
Under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960, the holder of a prospecting licence is given the right to enter on the land described in the licence and to carry out certain operations, such as drilling or boring, in search of minerals. The question of compensation is involved only in respect of damage or nuisance arising from such operations. Land owners and licence holders may agree on the amount of compensation but, in the absence of agreement, a procedure is available under the Act by which the issue may be referred to the Mining Board which is an independent statutory body. If agreement is not reached in the case which the Deputies have in mind the question of compensation can be submitted for independent determination in this way.
The present position in regard to the mineral deposits at Tynagh is that they are being explored by Irish Base Metals Ltd. under the authority of a prospecting licence. As this is a private concern it would be inappropriate for me to make any statement in regard to any plans which they may have for the exploitation of the mineral deposits at Tynagh.