asked the Minister for Energy the total amount of royalties paid to the Exchequer from the Tara Mines operation in Navan for each year since the commencement of mining to the latest date for which figures are available.
Written Answers. - Royalties from Tara Mines.
277.
): The State mining lease granted to Tara Mines Ltd. on 19 September 1975 provides for the payment of a royalty of 4½ per cent of the profits of the company as assessed by the Revenue Commissioners for purposes of corporation profits tax. The profits of the company for tax purposes since trading commenced on 1 January 1978 have not been agreed with the Revenue Commissioners. Therefore, no royalty payments have been made as yet by the company. Having regard to that situation, consideration is being given to the question of what action might be taken in regard to the possible liability of the company for royalty.