With regard to the Tara Mines dispute, neither the company nor the unions has yet given its response to the Labour Court recommendation. Consequently, it would not be appropriate to make any comment other than to say that I hope the two sides can come together on the Labour Court proposal which involved a three month trial period. That is being considered and I look forward to the outcome. We cannot comment too much at this time.
Tara Mines has been our most important mine, providing tremendous employment over the years. Lisheen and Galmoy mines have been added to this and have built up mining considerably. When fully operational, Irish purchases by the three main mines will be worth over £40 million a year. A great deal of that will be spent in the local economies. Apart from the employment given by the mines, the purchases lead to further employment and involvement. The local communities give good support to the mines and recognise their value to the local area. The unions, management and I know that matters are difficult on the international stage but I hope the present difficulties can be resolved.
I have a keen interest in the use and availability of rail infrastructure. I agree with the Deputy that as far as possible it should be used. As Deputy Finucane has suggested, the matter will be taken up with the Ministers for the Environment and Local Government and Public Enterprise. An access and intermodal study is being carried out from the point of view of shipping and ports. In conjunction with the study there is the issue of the rail transport of heavy goods. As Deputies will be aware, 95 per cent of the volume of our production and trade goes through the ports. With the growth in the economy there is a rapid increase in the volume of trade and business and we are considering the question of access to ports and the intermodal links between rail and other services, so that the roads are not cluttered with container trucks. Where possible other modes should be used. The study is due to be completed in a couple of months. I will raise this issue in that connection and will take it up with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, as suggested by Deputy Finucane and supported by Deputy Brady.