Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 1995

Vol. 450 No. 8

Written Answers. - Prospecting Licences.

Robert Molloy

Question:

222 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications in respect of prospecting licences at a current date, the number of validly held prospecting licences; the number of prospecting licences in process towards issue; the number of Irish companies actively engaged in prospecting activities; the total number of foreign companies actively engaged in prospecting activities; and the number of prospecting licences held by Irish companies. [6162/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

There are 516 validly held prospecting licences and 51 applications for prospecting licences being processed, at present. There are 28 Irish companies and 13 foreign companies actively engaged in prospecting. There are 195 prospecting licences held either wholly or in joint ventures by Irish companies.