Has the Minister received any information from the receiver about the situation in Bula? The Minister is, after all, a 49 per cent shareholder. How many applications has the receiver had to purchase? Is there an application from Outokumpu, as one would logically expect in view of their take-over of Tara, and when does the receiver expect to dispose of Bula Mines?

It would not be possible to say at this stage when the receiver expects to dispose of Bula Mines? I am sure the Deputy is aware that the receiver has publicised the assets on a worldwide basis and he is open to discussion with any potential buyers of these assets.

Has he received many application from potential buyers?

I do not have a list of the potential buyers.

Are the Department keeping in touch with the receiver in relation to the disposal since it is of vital interest to the State? The taxpayers are 49 per cent shareholders in that disastrous investment by a former Labour Party Minister.

I do not accept the Deputy's statement that it was a disastrous enterprise. It is a matter of argument and record. If the Deputy and his party had been somewhat more constructive it might have been a happier situation. The receiver has been in contact with my Department and will continue this contact on a regular basis.

When does he expect the final decision to be made as to the disposal?

It is not possible at this stage to give a final date.

But the receiver himself is on record as saying that he would be making a final decision in February or March.

The month of February has already gone. Perhaps the receiver should learn a lesson from this House not to give commitments as to time.

The Minister could have said that the final decision will be made over the next two months but obviously he does not have the information. Would the Minister be in favour, from a policy point of view, of Bula Mines being acquired by Outokumpu in the present circumstances?

I wish to keep an open mind on that subject at this stage.

Would the Minister buy it himself? Does he envisage any role for the proposed NDC, which is not fully born yet, in mining in this country in view of the fact that a Finnish state mining company is becoming involved here? Does the Minister envisage the NDC becoming involved in Bula, Tara or by way of partnership?

I would not rule out any helpful suggestions the Deputy is making in relation to the development of mining.

I am not making them. I am asking if the Minister has any plans or policies for the involvement of the NDC. Yes or no?

That concludes Question Time.