Vol. 451 No. 3
32 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he has satisfied himself with the level of prospecting and mining being undertaken; the new measures, if any, he intends introducing to attract a higher level of mining activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/95]
I am currently reviewing policy and procedures to see if more intensive minerals prospecting activity could be stimulated, so as to locate further commercial minerals deposits and to see how best all identified commercial minerals deposits could be developed as quickly as possible, with proper safeguards for the environment.
A major input into my deliberations will be the report with recommendations, which I expect to receive next month, from the national minerals policy review group. The review group was established in 1994 to undertake a fundamental review of policy and the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1979.
I am determined to ensure that with the proper application of modern technology and mining techniques the minerals resources of the nation will be developed responsibly, so as to achieve the maximum benefit in terms of job creation, increasing national wealth and underpinning industrial growth.
