I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 38 together.
The position remains broadly as I set out in replies to similar questions on 13 May 1999. To date in 1999, two petroleum exploration licences have been granted in the Irish offshore, one to Agip Ireland BV over six blocks and the other to Elf Petroleum Ireland BV over five blocks. Both were frontier exploration licences awarded under the south Porcupine round. Under these licences comprehensive licence-specific work programmes will be undertaken which will include the acquisition and processing of 2-D seismic data and the carrying out of special geophysical and geological studies where appropriate.
In addition, I have granted two licensing options this year, one to Marathon International Petroleum Hibernia Limited over six blocks in the Slyne Trough and the other to Enterprise Oil over one full block and four part blocks in the Donegal Basin. I am also currently considering an application for an authorisation over the Seven Heads.
Despite the serious impact on the exploration and production sector of the weak oil price throughout 1998, the industry's commitment to Ireland remains good and exploration licences are at a high level. Enterprise Oil achieved excellent results from last year's Corrib appraisal well, producing gas on test which flowed at a stabilised rate of 63 million cu. ft. per day. The company has already commenced drilling a second appraisal well there. The company also plans to drill an exploration well this year in the Slyne Trough under licence 2/93 and an application to this effect has been received.
Marathon has submitted a plan of development for the south-west lobe of the Kinsale Head gas field and it plans to bring this gas into production by year end. In addition, an application by Providence Resources for a lease undertaking over an area in the north Celtic Sea Basin is under consideration. An application by Marathon to re-enter the well drilled in the south-west lobe of the Kinsale Head gas field in 1995 has been approved.