John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the issuing of petroleum exploration licences, I do not want to get into individual licences. However, I made inquiries about the issuing of a licence in the south east, and tabled a parliamentary question on it. I have had correspondence with the Department. It is extremely difficult to get to the end of the issues that can be confronted by an applicant for such a licence. It was an onshore licence, but it went on from 2006, with a revised application in 2007 and renewed interest in 2013. The EPA had a role in it after that. If Mr. Griffin checks on the parliamentary questions and the correspondence, he will see the company involved. Is there a long turnaround period for these licences? Is that the norm?