Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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496. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the person or body that oversees that the conditions of prospecting and mining licences are adhered to; the number of members of staff dedicated to this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50399/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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Prospecting and mining licences are issued by my Department.The Exploration and Mining Division of the Department currently has a staff of 4 geologists and 6 administrative staff engaged in the processing and monitoring of these licences from prospecting through to extraction, as well as other activities related to exploration and mining. Further details are available on my Department's website at

Extraction is also regulated under the planning system and requires an Integrated Pollution Control Licence from the EPA and compliance with the conditions therein.