asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received an application for a prospecting licence on behalf of the Rio Tinto Finance and Exploration Company for a large area in South Tipperary-East Cork-West Waterford; and if he is aware that the area in question covers the vicinity of Ballyduff from Inchinleamy West to Ballysaggart and down to Lismore (Ballyanchor, Deerpark, etc.) and will extend east to Cappoquin, Affane, Dromana, Moneyroe and Curraghroche; and if on examination he proposes to grant the licence.

The answer is yes.