I assume that the Deputy’s reference to compliance with the Aarhus Convention is made in the context of the public’s right to participate in decision-making in environmental matters, for example projects affecting the environment, or plans and programmes relating to the environment. Granting of a Licensing Option of itself is not a permission to carry out a project that would affect the environment. The work programmes carried out under the Licensing Options were primarily of a desk-top study nature. Had the holders of the Licensing Options proposed to undertake projects likely to have a significant effect on the environment then such activities would have been subject to Environmental Impact Assessment, which would have included public participation. The companies would have also had to hold a Petroleum Prospecting Licence and the process through which such licences may be granted also involves public participation.