asked the Minister for Finance the total amount of tax paid on such moneys as have been paid by the State to the directors of Bula Mines Limited; and the projected tax revenue from future payments.

4.

asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax paid by Tara Mines Limited to date.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.

It would be contrary to secrecy obligations in relation to tax matters to disclose any information concerning the tax liability of any individual or any company. For that reason the information sought by the Deputy may not be given.

The Minister may recall that the Government when in opposition opposed this Bula agreement. Is it a fact that the man has taken the £10 million which he got from then Deputy Keating and is not developing the Bula Mine at all?

That is a separate question. The question relates to tax.

It was considered an unlikely possibility then, but is that what is happening?

Question No. 5.

In relation to the Tara Mines is it a fact that tens of thousands of tons of ore are being exported from Tara Mines? Without giving specific figures, are we collecting any tax revenue on that at all?

I am afraid——

Will we ever get any information about it?

——I am not at liberty, and the Deputy knows that I am not at liberty, to give any information at all concerning the affairs of individuals or of individual companies.

Are we never going to get any information? When will we get information about what is happening, about how these two mines are being run, or are not being run, as the case may be?

That is an abstract question.

Are we going to get any information about what is easily the biggest base metal mine in Europe?

Information will not be obtained by way of a question to the Minister for Finance about the tax affairs of individuals or individual companies.

Question No. 5, please.

Is the Minister suggesting that I put down a further question?