My Department does not hold the relevant details. I will request that the bodies involved reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought. The deployment and management of persons in issuing licences by the Commission for Energy Regulation, and in the issuing of licences by the bodies mentioned by the Deputy, are day to day operational matters for the bodies concerned.
Prospecting Licences, in respect of minerals exploration, and State Mining Leases/Licences, are processed by the Exploration and Mining Division of my Department. The 10 full time and one part time staff of this Division also deal with relevant policy, legislation and regulatory issues, as well as the promotion of Ireland as a target for minerals exploration.
The Mining Board is a body established under the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, to adjudicate on various matters prescribed under those Acts. The board has no responsibility for issuing licences.