Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am more concerned now than I was. We are speaking about the process the Department would use in granting an exploratory licence. Is it within the gift of the Minister and the Department or are there legal implications for the Minister to follow the advice of the Commissioner and say we do not wish to seek tenders for applications for exploratory licences? Can the Minister say we are not proceeding with a request for applications?