asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the estimated revenue from the State-owned shareholding in Tara Mines Limited, to date.

As the Deputy will be aware from press reports, profits which could contribute to State revenues have not yet been made by the company.

Could the Minister tell us what moneys, including interest, Tara has paid to the State?

The question refers to estimated revenue.

Is the Minister satisfied with the present take?

We are talking of Tara Mines and, as Deputies are aware, those mines suffered considerable problems as a result of the decrease in prices around the world. With the up-turn now we hope there will be a considerable improvement in the position of Tara Mines and, if there is, the Government will be in receipt of royalties.

Could the Minister give us any information on the allegation that £2 million was paid by Tara to the Hughes interests and the forcible return of this £2 million as a result of intervention by the Canadian banks?

I am not in a position to deal with allegations.

Is the Minister satisfied with the position with regard to the repayment of loans made to this company? Is he fully satisfied these will be repaid in due course in accordance with the terms laid down?

I understand there has been some renegotiation of some of the loans because of some problems that arose. I have no doubt these loans will be well and truly honoured.

Will the repayment be less than originally expected?

No.

I am calling Question No. 12.

Is it not a fact that the arrangement made by the Minister's predecessors, which the present Government are now standing over, was one of the most scandalous——

That is purely argument, disorderly argument.

It is not my job to engage in disorderly argument.

12.