asked the Minister for Industry and Commerece if his attention has been drawn to press reports regarding mineral finds in the Mallow area, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Mineral Finds.
30.
The area in question is included in areas granted under prospecting licences to Societe Miniere et Metallurgique de Penarroya. Particulars of these licences are shown in the report under the Minerals Development Acts laid before the House on 11th April, 1974. By agreement with the licensee, exploration work on these areas is being carried out by Munster Base Metals Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglo-United Development Corporation Limited. The licensee is required to carry out work programmes in the licence areas and to lodge reports of work done under the licences. The information contained in these reports is confidential unless the licensee agrees to its release and the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be proper for me to make a statement in the matter.
Would the Minister comment on a situation that might arise if the company decided to make a statement without formally notifying him?
In the normal good relations existing between the Geological Survey Office, my Department and this and other companies, it is quite usual for them to indicate to us the content of an announcement they may be proposing to make. There is no obligation on them in the matter and they are quite within their rights in making an announcement and saying as much as they consider appropriate at this time without consultation with us.