asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any work has been carried out under the seven prospecting licences issued by him up to last December in respect of minerals in County Tipperary; and if he will state the number of further applications considered since by him.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Prospecting Licences.
33.
In December, 1965, 48 prospecting licences were current in respect of areas in County Tipperary. Since December, seven licences have been issued. I have approved of the issue of a further 18 licences and 11 applications are under consideration.
I do not know to what seven licences the Deputy's question relates, but in any event, while a licensee undertakes to carry out an approved scheme of prospecting in the area covered by his licence, the reports submitted to my Department are confidential.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.