State control of coal exploration
De Rossa sought assurances that coal exploration licences would not give companies control over discoveries or undermine State revenue. The Minister said no development application was pending, no deals had been made, and applications would be assessed under the statutory procedures; the Chair then moved to the next question.
The Minister, in replying to my last supplementary, indicated his personal view as to how these deposits might be utilised and developed. As Minister responsible for this area can he give the House an assurance that there are no deals being done with companies for the extraction of any deposits that may be there which would leave the State unable to gain revenue from them or ensure the best use of the coal for the benefit of industry and so on in this country?
Comment on this
I am not quite sure what the Deputy is implying in relation to deals being done. There are procedures laid down by statute in relation to the consideration of mining applications. There is no application on hand in relation to development at this time.
Comment on this
Can the Minister give an assurance that any licences he issues for prospecting do not have conditions included which would allow those people to have control over what they find?
Comment on this
The Deputy wanted information in relation to deals — I regret the use of the word by him but that is his terminology. No deals have been done. Applications will always be examined in the normal manner.
