asked the Minister for Energy if he has had any discussions with the Finnish State company, Outokumpu, who have taken over Tara Mines and who are reported to have made a bid for Bula Mines, regarding the possibility of establishing a smelter in Ireland, in view of the fact that the company operate a smelter in Finland, and the general desirability of having Irish ore smelted in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am keeping the question of an Irish smelter under review and it is my intention to discuss with Outokumpu, at an appropriate time, such interest as they may have in the establishment of smelting facilities in Ireland. I cannot at this stage predict what the outcome of such discussions may be.

At the time of the takeover of Tara Mines by the Finnish company did the Minister raise the question of the possibility of them being interested in a lead and zinc smelter or a zinc smelter here?

I do not believe that any discussion took place in relation to the possibilities of a zinc smelter being built in Ireland prior to the acquisition by Outokumpu of the majority of shares in Tara Mines.

Does the Minister agree that the establishment of a zinc smelter here would be of tremendous benefit to the economy and to job creation in view of the downstream industries which could be developed as a result of the smelting of the 403,000 tonnes of zinc concentrates and the 61,00 tonnes of lead concentrates which are being exported annually?

Since I became Minister for Energy I have taken a personal interest in the possibility of a zinc smelter being built in this country, particularly as one of the most suitable locations for such a smelter would be in Ballylongford, County Kerry. However, it does not seem possible at this time and I have not heard anything to change the current commercial view in relation to a zinc smelter. Circumstances have changed since the original assessment in 1976-77 of the possibilities of a zinc smelter being established here. If proposals in that direction are made I assure the Deputy that the Government will consider them favourably because that would be of benefit with other factors being correct. Many factors must be taken into account, but I assure the Deputy that personally and politically I would be very much in favour of a zinc smelter being built in this country.