asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is aware that number two grade ore at Tynagh Mines, County Galway, is not being mined and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Operations at the mine have been kept under review by the Geological Survey Office and in the light of their reports to me I am satisfied that the lessee company, which operates the mine under a State mining lease, has worked the minerals in accordance with correct mining practice.