ABSTRACT
In the years after the Navan discovery, a major political debate developed concerning the position of the mining industry and its contribution to the Irish economy. The newly-appointed Minister for Industry and Commerce, Mr Justin Keating, indicated that he regarded the formulation of a comprehensive policy covering the development of Ireland’s natural resources as one of his most urgent tasks. The public sectors of countries such as Britain and Ireland left a great deal to be desired, therefore, in terms of efficiency. The government’s decision was met by a torrent of criticism by mining industry spokesmen, who claimed the abolition of the exemption would deter foreign investment in mineral exploration. The terms of the arrangement, contained in two documents, an Agreement and a Mining Lease, were as follows. The Irish government made important concessions in the area of financial returns to the state. The Irish Constitutional framework imposed limitations on government action.
