asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of exports, if any, of residual fuel oil from Whitegate oil refinery in 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Oil.
1.
Trade statistics are not compiled in respect of individual firms. Total exports of residual fuel oil in 1973 amounted to 443,000 metric tons.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say at which time of 1973 most of these exports took place?
The quarter in which most was exported was the first quarter when 153,000 metric tons was exported.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary state what amount was exported in the last quarter?
Yes, 97,200 metric tons.
In view of the knowledge which everyone seemed to have had last September and October with regard to the approaching fuel crisis, surely the Government could have taken some action to prevent these exports of 90,000 odd metric tons of oil?
The situation in regard to oil imports to this country is that the British and Irish markets are integrated and the refining industry, because of its failure to secure the ESB contract, has had to contract for a supply of refined oil to export markets. If the contracts which existed last year had not been filled, there would have been immediate repercussions in Britain and the supply of oil to our own markets would have been curtailed. On balance, the situation was one of advantage.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say——
I have allowed the Deputy a lot of latitude.
It is a very important question.
I have allowed the Deputy three questions.
Is that the maximum?