The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources seeks the provision of expert services involving the regular physical inspections by suitably qualified personnel of mining operations under State Mining Leases/Licences, to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of those Leases and Licences. In addition, the Department will request on an irregular and as required basis specialist expertise (which may include ecology, hydrogeology, noise etc.) in screening and evaluation of the ‘Appropriate Assessment’ requirement as provided for by the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477 of 2011) for certain exploration activities carried out under Prospecting Licences for which the Minister is the consenting authority for the purposes of the Regulations.