asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the recently reported joint venture concerning his Department and two companies (names supplied) in mining development in County Meath.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Meath Mining Development.
56.
I assume that the Deputy's question refers to a report in the daily newspapers that, following negotiations involving my Department, the two companies named were about to sign an agreement regarding the joint working of the Navan minerals. I would refer the Deputy to statements subsequently issued by the two companies denying this report. I would of course welcome the greatest possible co-operation between all the parties concerned in the development of the Navan deposit.
Does the Minister appreciate that this question was put down because there were denials from the two firms concerned but there was no denial from his Department? If Press reports convey this impression, would it not be as well for the Department to deny it because, if it is not denied, it is taken as being a fact?
Both of the parties involved denied it and the denial was a clear one. But I reiterate that I believe it to be in the national interests that close co-operation should exist. At this stage I do not think I am called upon to say more than that.
Would the Minister state if there were negotiations along the lines suggested in the papers and that these did not materialise?
I understand that the denial from the two companies said that such negotiations had not taken place.
Surely the Minister would know if his Department was involved?
The question refers to a joint venture between two companies——
And the Department.
——and my Department is involved also. Both companies have denied it. It follows that my Department has not been in tripartite negotiation. The two companies have denied that this has taken place. I reiterate that I would welcome such co-operation.
The Minister is not in a position to say whether there were negotiations taking place?
No.