Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the stage oil and gas exploration licenses are at for the Slyne and north west exploration province; the persons who are carrying out his promised review of licensing terms and conditions; the terms of reference of the review; when it will be complete and available to the Houses of the Oireachtas; if he will be making a submission to the Department of Finance in time for Budget 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26658/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I expect to issue licence offers to successful applicants in the Slyne/Erris/Donegal Round shortly.

In relation to the review of licensing terms under which exploration companies operate, my Department has already carried out considerable analysis with a view to amending the licensing terms. Terms of reference for an independent review of licensing terms and the work already completed by my Department are being finalised with a view to being put out to tender. Consultation with the Minister for Finance would of course be necessary in circumstances where it is proposed to amend the existing fiscal terms.