Joe Higgins
Question:255 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the implications for offshore exploration and development activities for oil and gas and other non-living marine resources as a result of the recent UK High Court judgment that the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EC applies up to 200 nautical miles offshore; the plans, if any, she has to suspend future licensing activity for offshore oil and gas activity until the requirements of the directive have been fully met throughout Ireland's exclusive economic zone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5209/00]