asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what progress has been made in prospecting coal in the Coolraheen area, County Kilkenny.

A prospecting licence in respect of the Leinster Coalfield, including Coolraheen, has been granted to a company. I have received no information as yet in regard to the progress made and any information I may receive cannot be made public without the consent of the company.

Can the Minister say if they have commenced operations?

I understand so.