asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any oil or gas exploration inquiries have been received by his Department from interested foreign companies; if not, whether he expects any in the future; and if he will indicate his Department's attitude to such inquiries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil and Gas Exploration.
89.
My Department have received numerous inquiries from foreign companies interested in obtaining facilities for oil and gas offshore exploration. Three firm applications from foreign companies for such facilities are at present under examination. Details of any offshore oil or gas exploration facilities granted in the future will be set out in my half-yearly reports to the Oireachtas in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, and the Continental Shelf Act, 1968.
The policy of the Government is to secure the most thorough and efficient exploration and development of the natural resources of the continental shelf by providing, as in the land area, attractive facilities to private enterprise concerns, Irish and foreign, having the necessary financial resources and technical expertise.
Can the Minister say approximately what area he includes in the licence area for the continental shelf? What size is the licence area he is granting compared to the land one?
That question is a little complicated to answer because, as I mentioned, there are three applications under consideration at the moment. One is from a company which claim certain rights pre-existing on the continental shelf and the licence which will be granted to them will be the result of negotiations which have taken place with them, and the licence which will be granted in other cases will relate to the conclusion of these negotiations. I do not know if I make myself clear. The matter is rather complicated. The Deputy might ask me that question again when I may be in a better position to answer it.
Do I understand from what the Minister says that the licence in respect of what he calls Case 1 will be to the exclusion of all other possible licences in the continental shelf?
In the area of the licence granted in Case 1.
What is the approximate extent of that area?
It is not finally decided yet. The negotiations have not been finally concluded.
Is it one mile or 100 miles?
It is reasonably extensive.
The plain fact of the matter is that the Minister does not remember.
The Minister does but the negotiations have not been finally concluded and I do not want to prejudice them.
How soon would the Minister like me to ask the question again?
In about a month's time.
I suppose he will still be there then?
I think it is likely.