1573 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the royalties accrued to the State in 2008 and 2009 from mining in Navan, Galmoy and Lisheen respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33169/10]

Financial terms for State Mining Facilities (Lease or Licence, depending on ownership of minerals) are negotiated on a case by case basis, in accordance with the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. Receipts from State Mining Facilities are normally paid in the form of "Dead Rent", and periodic royalties based on production or revenue. Dead Rent is a minimum payment, normally paid in advance and offset against Royalties when they fall due.

Total receipts, Dead Rent and Royalty, for the three mines in the period in question, were as follows:

In 1986 the Government sold its 25% holding in Tara Mines Ltd (now Boliden Tara Mines Ltd) in a deal which included buy out by the company of future royalties from the original lease. While no royalties are currently paid by the mine, it is required to make an annual minimum payment of Dead Rent to the State.