asked the Minister for Energy the up-to-date position in relation to the gas exploration survey being conducted in west Cavan.

Exploration for oil and gas in west Cavan is being carried out under an exclusive exploration licence, which covers a large part of the North West Carboniferous Basin, including 252 square miles in County Cavan. Under the terms of this licence two exploration wells were drilled in 1984, one at McNean, County Cavan, and the other at Drumkeeran, County Leitrim, but only minor indications of gas were encountered in each case.

These two wells were part of a four-well exploration programme relating to the entire North West Carboniferous Basin, which extends to areas in County Fermanagh. This programme has now been completed and my Department, in consultation with the licensees, are considering their application to extend the licence to provide for further exploration work in the Irish licensed area. I expect that agreement will be reached shortly on this application and on the licensees' future work programme.

Has the Minister any information about the other side of the Border in the Fermanagh area where apparently more optimistic signs were forthcoming after some testing up there?

I do not seem to have any information available about the other counties involved, but I am sure I can get it for the Deputy.

I am not buying any shares.