asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any official survey has been carried out in West Corkrecently; and, if so, if he will indicate the findings, or, alternatively, direct that such a survey be made with particular regard to the copper deposits in the Allihies district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - West Cork Survey.
There has been no recent official geological survey in West Cork. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, I announced a few weeks ago that a scheme of mineral exploration was to be carried out in three mineralised areas in the country as a technical assistance project for the Geological Survey. The areas to be explored will be selected having regard to importance. I have not yet made the selection, and in doing so I will take into account the recommendations of the consultant who will take charge of the scheme.
The remaining questions will appear on the Order Paper for to-morrow.
Mr. A. Byrne
Is it not possible to continue questions instead of putting them off until to-morrow? When we proceed to the discussion of ordinary business, some members will get an opportunity of speaking for half an hour or an hour, when all the remaining questions could be cleared off in another hour.
I am bound by the rules of procedure, but the matter is in the hands of the House.
Standing Orders provide that questions shall end at 4 o'clock. By an informal arrangement, extra time is permitted on Thursdays and it would be undesirable to change that practice without notice. There may be Deputies who have questions down who are not present because they assumed that their questions would not be reached. I suggest that it would be better to follow the precedent already established.
In view of the fact that two questions took up 20 minutes of the time, is it not a good and valid reason for carrying on with questions for another hour?
The fact is that I am bound by Standing Orders. Unless the House decides on a change, I am bound by the regulations.