Vol. 219 No. 7
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any applications have been made to his Department for licences to prospect for oil or natural gas in coastal waters under the jurisdiction of this country; if so, by whom such applications were made; if the applications were granted; and what areas are covered by any such licences.
111.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if it is proposed to invite commercial interests to carry out experimental borings for oil and natural gas in territorial waters.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
The exclusive right of exploring for oil and natural gas in the country and in the seabed beneath the territorial waters has been held by the Ambassador Irish Oil Company and Associates, under an exploration licence issued in 1960. The licensees have an option on renewal of their licence subject to certain conditions and an application for renewal is under consideration at present.
How long does the licence last?
Five years.
Is the Ambassador Oil Company engaged in any drilling at the moment?
No. They are only making surveys.
