Seanad debates

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Minerals Development Bill 2015: Committee Stage

 

10:30 am

Photo of Mark DalyMark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It would be helpful if there were an outline of previous applications and information on small deposits that may have been sold in the past. I am perplexed as to the benefit. When dealing with minerals and mining licences, guessing how much is down there is an art and a science at the same time. My concern, and everybody's, is that the maximum return be made to the Exchequer. I would always imagine that licensing might be the better option, given that the Exchequer would receive a share of what is being extracted, which would be a better return, and there is always a chance that, after a piece of ground has been sold for a small fee, extra deposits are found, leaving the taxpayer at a loss for no real gain. I would like clarification on what has happened in the past regarding possible sales of what was deemed small tonnage or value and how much was deemed small. At the next opportunity, the Minister could tighten it up. It is too loose from a legislative point of view.

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