asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total value of ore exported out of this country last year and the value of royalties accruing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ore Exports.
128.
The total value of exports of metal ores and concentrates in 1969 was £17,300,000.
The total receipts under the Minerals Development Acts for the year ended 31st December, 1969, from fees and royalties, amounted to £353,146 0s 5d. There may be some adjustment of this figure when profits in certain cases are finally assessed by the Revenue Commissioners.
Have the Government considered raising the charge for royalties in respect of this operation, conscious of the increased employment content and the value of exports which we all welcome? Does the Minister not concede that the royalty charge in respect of the £17 million would be regarded by European and international standards as exceptionally low?
No, the royalties are related to profits not to total exports. In regard to the royalties that are operating at present they are operating under leases granted some years ago and may not be altered. The question of increasing royalties on future leases is under consideration.