asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will set up a State-sponsored body to ensure that the natural resources of oil, gas and mineral wealth of this country are fully developed by public and private concerns in the national interest; and if he will state the total royalty receipts under the minerals development legislation for 1970, 1971 and 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Exploration.
67.
I am having a number of aspects of the existing mining policy examined and in the light of this examination I will consider the type of organisation best suited to ensure the thorough and efficient exploration and development of our mineral resources, including oil and gas.
Details of the receipts, including royalties, under the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960, and the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, are contained in the six-monthly reports laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the requirements of the Acts.
For the convenience of the Deputy, however, I may say that total receipts under these Acts, mainly comprised of royalties, amounted to £503,329 for the year ended 31st December, 1970, to £468,155 for the year ended 31st December, 1971, and to £219,284 for the year ended 31st December, 1972.
There may be some adjustment of these figures when company profits have been finally assessed by the Revenue Commissioners.
Is the Minister aware of the very considerable public disquiet about what are called "the hostages to foreign fortune" emerging in this crucial growth area of economic activity and would he, as a matter of utmost urgency, ensure there is adequate public control in the national interest over this sector of the economy and would he care to express a view on the need for that development?
I have indicated that active investigation of the whole situation is taking place. The Deputy is aware this is a delicate and difficult area and I, at this point of time, will not anticipate the advice I may be given. I recognise that the matter is a pressing one.
Am I to take it that this is a matter on which the Minister himself would have no view? He will be directed solely by the advice of other people. Is that what he said?
No.
Can the Minister give us any idea as to when he expects to be in a position to make a decision on this very important matter?
The Deputy is very well aware of the situation and he is, therefore, also well aware of the complexity of the situation and of the nature of the investigations being carried on. Beyond saying that the matter is urgent, I do not propose to be tied to dates. I recognise it is urgent and it will be as soon as possible.
The Minister is saying weeks.
68.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the Government's position in relation to mining in Ireland, arising from the recent decision by the President of the High Court; and if the Government proposes to take any further steps to ensure that the State retains the right to acquire mineral rights for the people of Ireland.
The decision of the President of the High Court in this matter is subject to a stay and it is my intention to appeal against that decision. In the circumstances, the legal issues in the case are sub judice and it would not be proper for me to make a statement in the matter.
Might I ask the Minister would it not be wiser for him to make an amended order?
I have indicated that, on the balance of the advice available to me, I consider the direct course to be an appeal to the Supreme Court.
This may throw the matter into this sub judice position again.
We must watch that very carefully.
The situation, as I see it, is that if there is going to be an appeal that will mean a great hold up in the development of our mining and mineral resources, particularly in County Meath. I have some knowledge of the situation. An appeal of this nature, in the light of the experience and the knowledge we have gained of the previous case, means there will be a hold up in the development of this very, very valuable asset for a period of possibly two to three years. Taking that into consideration, would the Minister not feel that the problem could be resolved by making a new order?
I have indicated my decision in the matter. The Deputy is aware that there are a number of courses possible, quite apart from the matter of making a new order. Some of the alternatives are now being examined as distinct from the matter of a Supreme Court appeal.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.