asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the estimated revenue from the State-owned shareholding in Tara Mines Limited, to date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tara and Bula Mines.
11.
As the Deputy will be aware from press reports, profits which could contribute to State revenues have not yet been made by the company.
Could the Minister tell us what moneys, including interest, Tara has paid to the State?
The question refers to estimated revenue.
Is the Minister satisfied with the present take?
We are talking of Tara Mines and, as Deputies are aware, those mines suffered considerable problems as a result of the decrease in prices around the world. With the up-turn now we hope there will be a considerable improvement in the position of Tara Mines and, if there is, the Government will be in receipt of royalties.
Could the Minister give us any information on the allegation that £2 million was paid by Tara to the Hughes interests and the forcible return of this £2 million as a result of intervention by the Canadian banks?
I am not in a position to deal with allegations.
Is the Minister satisfied with the position with regard to the repayment of loans made to this company? Is he fully satisfied these will be repaid in due course in accordance with the terms laid down?
I understand there has been some renegotiation of some of the loans because of some problems that arose. I have no doubt these loans will be well and truly honoured.
Will the repayment be less than originally expected?
No.
I am calling Question No. 12.
Is it not a fact that the arrangement made by the Minister's predecessors, which the present Government are now standing over, was one of the most scandalous——
That is purely argument, disorderly argument.
It is not my job to engage in disorderly argument.
12.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has any proposals to ensure that Tara Mines Limited and Bula Limited cooperate in preventing duplication of facilities in mining the Navan ore-body.
As I indicated in the House on 20 October 1977, the two mining companies have legal rights to develop their respective portions of the Navan orebody and the manner in which they are doing, or plan to do, this is primarily a matter for them. These rights are, of course, subject to the terms of the lease and agreements to which I am a party and subject also to planning and other statutory requirements.
At the present time, and particularly in view of the fact that one of the companies has not yet obtained planning permission for its mining development, it is not feasible to suggest the kind of working relationship between the two operators which would be most appropriate. The fullest co-operation between them is clearly desirable, in the national interest, and I will do what I can to promote such co-operation.
Was there a study commissioned some time ago on the course of the underground river which lies between the two companies and has that study produced any results?
As stated in reply to questions on a number of occasions, this study is under way. There were some delays and some changes in expert personnel involved and it is now hoped the result of this study will be available before the end of the year.
Is adequate co-operation taking place between Tara and Bula specifically with regard to expediting the formulation of plans for the diversion of the Blackwater?
I am satisfied that there is now a greater level of co-operation between the two companies in their approach than there was to the would-be expert that was appointed and I am satisfied the work is proceeding now at a rapid rate and I am hopeful the report will be in before the end of the year.
13.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he has any plans to hasten the opening of a mine on that portion of the Navan ore-body controlled by Bula Limited.
I am anxious to see the Bula portion of the Navan orebody come into production as soon as possible and I will take all steps within my competence to secure this objective.
As the Deputy is aware, planning permission is an essential prerequisite to mining development. The question of the diversion of the River Blackwater is an integral part of an application for planning permission by Bula Limited. At the present time an expert is actively engaged in a study of the river diversion and his report is expected before the end of the year.
Is it a fact that the £10 million given to Roche under this crazy arrangement about Bula has been taken by Roche and nothing has been done?
The Deputy should not mention private individuals in the House. The Deputy may refer to companies but the practice of mentioning private individuals must be discouraged and must not be permitted.
If, in the light of the complications and difficulties, planning permission is not given in this instance, is it possible that no progress will be made with mining this orebody, in which case the £10 million which Roche got from the State will be a total loss?
Will the Deputy please refrain from mentioning individuals' names?
Is that correct?
I am calling Question No. 14.
(Interruptions.)
Before the Minister goes on in his staccato jabber to Question No. 14, may I ask a non-contentious question arising from Question No. 13? Will the Minister tell us how many jobs——
(Interruptions.)
I crave the protection of the Chair.
Question No. 14.
It is a very serious question.
It does not arise under Question No. 13. Will the Deputy please resume his seat?
It does. I want to know how many jobs are being delayed?
14.
asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the total amounts of State money paid so far to Bula Limited or its directors; and if it is intended to alter the amount of the further payments, if any.
A total amount of £7,155,000 has so far been paid to the shareholders of Bula Limited in respect of the acquisition of shares in Bula Limited under the provisions of the Bula Limited (Acquisition of Shares) Act, 1977. It is not intended to alter the amount of the final payment.
Is it a fact that, arising out of this agreement, £10 million was paid and that under this agreement, even if planning permission is given for the mining of this orebody, nothing can be done by the State unless Roche decides to go ahead, that he can take his £10 million and do nothing?
If the Deputy insists on using private names in the House I will have to ask him to withdraw.
Is this not a fact?
Question No. 15.
We have absolutely no power under this crazy arrangement made by the previous Government.