: The Minister mentioned in the latter part of his reply that those who have licences for mineral exploration must report to his Department. Could he give me some idea of the up-to-date position in the counties mentioned?

: I have not available to me the information required by the Deputy but I am pleased to note that they are looking for gold, lead and zinc in the area. The Deputy might be lucky enough to have a gold strike in his constituency.

: We have lead and zinc in Navan but I should like the Minister——

: While I am very reluctant to stop the Deputy on this question, I must be impartial and move to the next question.

: I thank the Chair for his indulgence. Would it be possible for the Minister to supply me privately with up-to-date information about the reports on mineral exploration?

: I will be glad to do so.