asked the Minister for Energy the name of the arbitrator to whom the question of non-payment of royalties by Tara Mines, County Meath has been referred; if a report has yet been received from the arbitrator; if not, when it is expected that the report will be received; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Tara Mines Royalties.
34.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply furnished on 3 March 1988 to a similar question by Deputy Mac Giolla in which I stated that the matter had not yet been referred to arbitration because certain preparatory aspects including consultations with legal advisers required attention. I expect that work on these aspects will be finalised shortly.
Agreement has been reached between my Department and Tara Mines Ltd. on the selection of an eminent senior counsel as arbitrator but the counsel in question has not been approached with a view to his appointment pending finalisation of the aspects to which I have referred.