Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the satisfaction he expressed at the joint launch of the new geological map of Ireland is indicative of his intention to reintroduce the GSI Bill, previously withdrawn from circulation; his views on whether it is timely to update the relevant legislation having particular regard to the vintage of the existing law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26576/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I accept fully that it is important to modernise the legislation governing the operations of the Geological Survey of Ireland. A certain amount of preparatory work on such legislation has been undertaken in my Department.

However, the question of converting the GSI into a non-commercial state agency, as distinct from its current status as a division of the Department, has arisen separately from the preparatory work on the draft legislation. I believe that it is important to form conclusions in relation to this issue before proceeding withnew legislation. If a change of status is proposed then the proposed legislation will need to be expanded in scope.