asked the Minister for Energy the latest information available to him on the possible extent and value of the Galmoy ore deposits; their possible commercial development; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The prospecting company operating at Galmoy has issued a number of statements on the progress of its operations and any further such statements would be a matter for the company. The grant of a mining lease by my Department would be required before any mine development but no negotiations on lease terms have taken place.

When a mining company during the course of their explorations make major statements about their discovery and speculation arises that the find is bigger than Tara, does it concern the Minister that as a result of this speculation people will invest their money in it? Does the Minister, therefore, require information to prove that the speculation is true or does he give them a free hand to speculate as they wish?

The Geological Survey Office have long experience in assessing ore bodies of this kind and they monitor the situation very carefully. There has been a constant exchange of views between the company and the Survey Office and my understanding is that the estimate for the ore body should be available fairly soon.

If the Minister felt that the estimate was not in accordance with speculation, would he damp down the speculation by saying that his estimate was different?

In all these matters the facts will ultimately speak for themselves.

Will the Minister give the facts?

The facts will speak for themselves.

Facts do not speak. Will the Minister give the information?