asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is in a position to give any details on assay reports on the ore at present being mined at Tynagh, County Galway; and if indications are that the ore is of a reasonably high standard.

The mine at Tynagh is not yet in production. In any event, I would not be in a position to give the information sought by the Deputy, which in effect would be an appraisal of the commercial prospects of a private company. I might add, however, that Northgate Explorations Ltd., the parent company of Irish Base Metals Ltd., has published statements giving information of the kind sought by the Deputy.