asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a mining licence has been issued to Northgate Exploration Company Ltd., in respect of their holdings at Tynagh, County Galway; and, if not, whether any decision has been reached in this connection.

I have granted a prospecting licence in respect of the Tynagh area, County Galway, to Irish Base Metals Ltd., which is an Irish subsidiary of Northgate Explorations Ltd. I have also decided to grant a State Mining Lease to the company to enable it to work the mineral deposits in question.

31.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is in a position to make a statement on the extent of ore body at Tynagh, County Galway.

I have granted facilities to a company authorising it to carry out prospecting operations with a view to ascertaining the nature and extent of the mineral resources in the area in question. The making by me of a statement on the lines indicated in the Deputy's question does not arise.