Is the Minister satisfied that he has available to him all the information in relation to the up-to-date position at Galmoy in County Kilkenny, having referred to the very high fluctuations in the stock market in recent weeks?

I think that is contained in another question.

No, it is in this one, a Cheann Comhairle. I have no difficulty answering that question. I am quite satisfied that the procedures agreed between my Department and the various mining companies are satisfactory and reasonably up-to-date. I am sure the Deputy will recall from his own days in the Department of Energy that there is a very important question of confidentiality involved during the currency of the licence, and that all of this information becomes public in due course. I am quite satisfied, both from the point of view of confidentiality and of information being passed to my Department, that I am getting adequate and up-to-date information.

Can the Minister confirm to the House that the ownership of the minerals in and around Galmoy has already been defined? We do not want another Bula-Tara situation.

I know that information to date indicates that the minerals on the Galmoy site are in private ownership.

Not Land Commission land?

Private ownership.

Private ownership arising from Land Commission land?

I do not have information as to whether it is Land Commission land or otherwise but it is in private ownership. Of course the Deputy will be aware that, under the Minerals Development Act of 1979, the exclusive right to the working of the minerals is vested in the Minister at the day.