asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will detail for each county (a) the total area in square miles, (b) the area for which prospecting licences have been issued and (c) the number of licences issued giving details of the region involved under each licence.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Prospecting Licences.
74.
Particulars of all prospecting licences granted, including relevant areas and locations, are set out in the half-yearly reports furnished by me to the Oireachtas under section 77 of the Minerals Development Act, 1940. The most recent report is that in respect of the period ended 30th June, 1968.
75.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the total number of prospecting licences granted by him to mining enterprises in each of the last four years; and the criteria by which he grants or refuses such licences.
The number of prospecting licences granted in the years 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968 was 95, 128, 240 and 170 respectively. In granting prospecting licences, the main objective is to secure the most thorough and rapid exploration and development of our mineral resources. In considering applications for licences regard is had to the character, financial standing and technical qualifications of the applicants and their proposed programme of work. Before granting licences, I must be fully satisfied as to the capacity of applicants to carry out satisfactory programmes of work in the licensed areas.