asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Geological Survey Office has carried out a seismic survey of offshore territory and/or the continental shelf of this State and if analysed results are yet available.
33.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Written Answers. - Off-Shore Exploration.
32.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has any means of monitoring the offshore exploration work carried out by exploration companies or of checking the reliability of reports of finds or lack of finds.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 33 together.
The Geological Survey Office have not carried out a seismic survey in any offshore area but it analyses the results of surveys carried out by other parties. Under the terms of petroleum prospecting and exploration licences and petroleum leases, full information regarding the progress of operations and results therefrom must be furnished to my Department by the licensees and lessees. This applies both to seismic surveys and to drilling of wells. The licences and leases also provide that my representatives may inspect the operations of licensees and lessees in the licensed and leasehold areas and may inspect and make abstracts or copies of all relevant records, maps and so on.
In the course of their duties the staff of the Geological Survey Office maintain frequent contacts with offshore operators particularly in regard to the results of exploratory drilling. I am satisfied that adequate checks are made on the reliability of reports submitted on such drilling operations.
34.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is satisfied that Government intervention has not discouraged further exploration and searching for offshore gas and oil.
I assume that in his reference to Government intervention what the Deputy has in mind is State participation in the exploitation of commercial discoveries of oil or gas in our continental shelf area. I am quite satisfied that the right to such participation in the exploitation of resources which, of course, belong to the State, has not discouraged exploration. I might add that there are very few places in the world where oil companies can get access to new potential oil supplies without State participation being involved as a right.