Vol. 439 No. 1
7 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has received applications for a mining licence in regard to ore deposits at Lisheen, County Tipperary, or Galmoy, County Kilkenny; the information available to his Department regarding the extent of the ore reserves in these areas; his policy in regard to any mining lease which may be issued for either; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
We have received an application for a State mining lease or licence as appropriate, in respect of a zinc/lead deposit at Galmoy, County Kilkenny. Discussions on the terms of a proposed lease/licence are ongoing with the company concerned. I have not yet received an application for a State mining lease or licence, in respect of the ore deposit at Lisheen, County Tipperary.
The estimated ore reserves, published in respect of the Galmoy deposit are 6.2 million tonnes grading 11.31 per cent zinc and 1.12 per cent lead, while published reserves for Lisheen, indicate 22.3 million tonnes, grading 11.9 per cent zinc and 2 per cent lead and 27 grammes, per tonne silver.
It is Government policy, to promote the orderly development of the mineral resources of the country, where this can be done in an environmentally acceptable way. Our objective is to achieve a sensible pragmatic basis, on which to balance the needs of job and wealth creation with those of the environment and also to ensure a proper return to the State from the development of our mineral resources. I am sure that with modern extractive methods this can be achieved. We are, therefore, committed to the favourable consideration of applications, for the development of both of these projects, provided that the applicants can demonstrate that they have the necessary financial, technical and other resources, to bring the respective deposits into production, in an acceptable fashion. This is, of course, subject to full planning permission and other necessary permits having been obtained and to our full consideration of any objections received following the advertising procedures, required by section 18 of the Minerals Development Act, 1979.
Will the Minister confirm that the Galmoy application has now been with him for over a year? What are the difficulties in making a decision on this application which has been delayed since January 1993? In regard to the Minister's reference to the return to the State, what steps does he propose to take to avoid a repetition of the scandal that occurred in relation to Tara Mines——
Deputy Gilmore——
It is a policy matter.
This question deals with Lisheen, County Tipperary, and Galmoy, County Kilkenny. I will not permit an extension to Tara or anywhere else.
I am asking specifically about Lisheen and Galmoy.
I will not permit an extension of the subject matter.
You have not heard the question, a Cheann Comhairle. I am asking specifically about Lisheen and Galmoy. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that there is a return to the State by way of royalties which are greater than the 1 per cent which was returned from Tara Mines and the amount of ore extracted?
I do not think Deputy Gilmore was listening. I gave a very clear answer about the procedures that must be followed before a State mining lease or licence can be given to any body. I said previously in this House that we received an application regarding Galmoy on 13 January 1993. This is subject to certain conditions, one of which is planning permission. Planning permission has not been granted and when that is granted further consideration will be given to the application. That is public knowledge and one does not need to ask a parliamentary question to discover that. I am bound to obey and uphold the law and ensure that we perform within the law just like anybody else, including all applicants.
In regard to royalties, I cannot comment on matters in which I was not involved in the past, some of which are the subject of court proceedings at present. Suffice it to say that all mineral development to date has made a return to the Exchequer. I am confident that many lessons have been learned from past performances which we will take into account in making decisions on issues pertaining to the future development of mining.
On the question of royalties, does the Minister intend to do better in the case of Galmoy and Lisheen than in respect of Tara?
I am sorry to interrupt the Deputy——
This is a perfectly valid question.
Deputy Gilmore is engaging in obvious repetition.
I did not get an answer.
I am sorry about that, but it is not the Chair's fault.
The Deputy did get an answer.
I am calling the next question.
On a point of order——
May I ask a question?
A brief question.
I listened attentively to the Minister's reply. He did not mention employment content or if he is concerned that delays might adversely affect job creation in this area. Surely he should have referred to those matters in his reply. Will he refer to them?
I am absolutely shocked. I thought I was as audible as possible and reasonable in the way I uttered my replies.
The Minister was evasive.
I am not evasive. That has never been my style. I referred to striking a balance——
What about numbers?
——between the necessity to provide jobs and wealth creation and the protection of the environment. I referred to those matters in my initial answer, but perhaps Deputy Carey was meandering. He must not have been listening.
I was listening, but the Minister did not have good news.
The only good news at present is that coming from the Fine Gael Party.
I deliver the facts and it is the Deputy's privilege to interpret them as being good, bad or indifferent. I must give the facts as they are. I am shocked that Deputy Gilmore should say I did not give him an answer. I gave him two answers which referred to past experience in which I was not involved. Deputy Cowen and I will do our utmost to ensure that there is a full and proper return from the proceeds of all natural resources to the Exchequer.
I am delighted to hear that.
