Yeah that's how I also understand it.The whole Covid-19...

Yeah that's how I also understand it.

The whole Covid-19 situation in relation to permits can be found in the below snipped from the offical fact sheet released by NOPTA.

"For COVID-19 pandemic related suspension and extension
applications, documentary evidence requirements will be
simplified. Demonstration of resource constraints (financial
and/or physical) and/or changes to contractual
arrangements with third parties (i.e. the inability to secure a
staffed vessel) will be sufficient."

This is only to relate to Y4.

The way I see it is this:

Permit 1: Extension and variation to remove Seismic. Due to expire 12th but can continue until decision has been made. (IMO the way the transcripts read, KP has made up his mind. Personally i think he has given JB way too much time but that's all to do with politic's/saving face)

Permit 2: Extension of Y4 requirements due to Covid-19. Simpler paperwork and should be pretty straightforward to approve (and please correct me if i'm wrong, would allow drilling this year). No variation to remove 3d seismic but another permit could be made up if this is approved as a variation. Would be fairly strait forward to approve as I can't see 3d seismic removal being opposed by too many.