I can only answer questions in this House as Minister. The process of reflection suggested by Deputy Sargent occurs to me regularly but, equally, I would respond in the same vein. All I would hope for at this stage is that people would understand what I am trying to do, which is to resolve a matter with the greatest degree of consensus possible. It is already a matter of public record that a planning application was lodged on 24 October 1996 with Clare County Council in respect of a limited level of visitor facilities to accord with the relevant recommendation in the Burren National Park study. It is not correct to say I am using Gortlecka instead of Mullaghmore to confuse people. When one applies for planning permission one has to give the correct address on the planning application. I am amazed at the number of people who have sought to see something sinister in that. I have also said it is not an installation in its own right, it is an entrance arising from a proposal in the study. The application made by the Commissioners of Public Works on my behalf is for permission for an entry point at Crag Road, Gortlecka and Knockaunroe through the Burren National Park comprising covered waiting area, toilets, ranger accommodation, ancillary parking, storage and signage. The application proposes the removal of some elements and the retention and completion of other elements of a previously proposed visitor centre which will otherwise be backfilled and the land reinstated to its previous condition.
In response to Deputy de Valera's responsible question about whether there had been any further application from Clare County Council, I have given the information I am aware of, but if there are others in my Department — and there may well be — we will compile them and answer the question speedily. She is entitled to that information. I apologise if I gave the impression that there are no further applications when in fact the Deputy may be aware of some. If so, we will compile that information and respond.