asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his Department have given licences for prospecting in north Galway; if so, the results available: and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There are currently 60 prospecting licences in force over the north Galway area. Particulars of these licences, other than five issued since 30th June, 1976, are set out in the half yearly reports laid before the Oireachtas in accordance with the provisions of the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 and 1960. Prospecting licence holders are required to carry out specific work programmes and to lodge reports of work done. The information contained in these reports is treated as confidential unless the licensee agrees to its release and it would not, therefore, be proper for me to make a statement in the matter.

For how long are these licences valid?

The maximum period for which the licence may be valid on first issue is two years and after that it may be renewed for a period of one year. The normal maximum total period for which a licence may be given to a company would be six years in accordance with the rules published on 1st March, 1976, by the Minister.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary say what progress has been made to date?

I answered that question as far as I could in the initial reply, when I said that I am not in a position to give any information regarding the results obtained by individual licensees because of the element of confidence. It is necessary that there be this degree of confidence in order to ensure that the full information is lodged by the licensee with the Minister and with the Geological Survey.