I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 20 together.
The most recent studies available to me on the coal resources in the Kish Bank Basin are a British Mining Consultants Limited report of 1981 and a Geological Survey of Ireland report of 1986. These reports indicated that an extensive programme of exploration and other studies was necessary before conclusions could be reached on whether there are economically exploitable coal reserves in the area. The data in the reports was made available to interested exploration companies who were invited to apply for prospecting facilities in the area. One application was received. The evaluation of this application by my Department is nearing completion.