asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the sum paid by way of royalties to the State each year since the commencement of production in respect of each of the following mine fields or companies: Silvermines, Gortdrum, Avoca, Ballynoe and Bennetsbridge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mining Royalties.
24.
The mines at Tynagh, Gortdrum, Avoca, Bennetsbridge and such of the minerals at the Silvermines mine as are State owned are operated under leases granted under the Minerals Development Act, 1940; production at Tynagh, Gortdrum and Silvermines commenced in 1965, 1967 and 1968 respectively and in 1970 at Bennetsbridge. Production at the reopened Avoca mine commenced at the end of 1970. As the operating companies are private concerns, I cannot give particulars of royalties paid by them individually. Particulars, including royalty rates, of all leases of State minerals and of total receipts under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960 from royalties and fees are contained in the reports laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the requirements of the Acts. Total receipts for the years ended 31st December, 1966 to 1970 amounted to £27,378, £163,191, £200,867, £353,146 and £503,329 respectively.
The mineral deposit at Ballynoe and a considerable part of the Silvermines deposit are privately owned. No royalties are payable to the State in respect of the working of privately owned minerals.
Did I hear the Minister correctly when he said that these are private companies and that he cannot give the individual royalty rates? Surely it is the State which is receiving the royalties and there would be no question of not revealing what the State receives from these people? It is immaterial that these are private individuals. The rate of royalties should be available.
The State commitment is to reveal the total royalties received collectively from those companies over a——
May I ask the Minister if he is satisfied with the rate of royalty being paid?
I am satisfied that the rate of royalty being collected is in line with the arrangements——
With what arrangements?
The leases, the royalty leases that were arranged and negotiated.
I asked the Minister whether he is satisfied with the rate of royalty? Is it big enough?
Surely the State never gets enough out of anything. Naturally I would prefer to see more royalties.
Will the Minister take steps to ensure that the State will get a fair return from the State's wealth?
That is what I am endeavouring to ensure at all stages.
Will the Minister state what steps——
Question No. 25. We cannot discuss this question all evening.