Mr. Matthew Collins:

The time that a lease exists will be largely dependent on the circumstances of the particular lease. All leases contain a work programme to which they are subject. That work programme comprises the conditions the Department sets the licence holder to carry out. There may be some circumstances, climate or a commercial investment decision that impact on the operator in carrying out a particular activity in a particular timeframe, and we review that to ensure it is acceptable. The Deputy referred to it taking seven years. Each project is unique, for example, the extension of the Kinsale gas field. In that case an appraisal well was put in place and it went into production within two to three years. It depends on the circumstances on the investment that is taking place and the activities that are required. However, it is important to note that people do not sit on them. We review what they are carrying out. We actively engage with companies to ensure all work programmes are carried out. It is right to point out where a company is slow in carrying out its activities but we also have 60 other licences where good progress has been made on the licence conditions and the work programme.