asked the Minister for Labour if an assessment has been made concerning particular labour requirements should worthwhile finds of oil and gas be made off the coasts of the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offshore Development Labour Potential.
41.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a somewhat similar question on 18th February last. On that occasion I informed the House that AnCO had undertaken a preliminary examination of the skill requirements which may arise in the event of significant oil and gas finds off our coasts. AnCO estimate that on the basis of ten mobile drilling rigs and one production rig, the latter on the Marathon Kinsale gas field, and based on the UK and Norwegian experience, there could be a demand for 2,300 workers. Of these 1,100 would be employed in offshore exploration and drilling, 600 in directly related onshore activity and a further 600 in jobs indirectly generated by demands for specialised services, such as helicopter transport.
It is anticipated that a wide range of employment opportunities will arise with the commencement of exploration and it is essential that Irish labour be recruited at all levels. In order to plan for this, there is a need for a more detailed examination of the possibilities and this must be undertaken in co-operation with other Government Departments and State agencies. Therefore, I am establishing shortly a high level, broadly based, inter-departmental working party to examine in detail the employment and training implications of potential offshore development.
I acknowledge that it is difficult at this stage to make accurate predictions of offshore activity. Nevertheless, the committee will consider a range of possible scales of development so that we shall not be overwhelmed should there be successful large-scale oil finds and so that we will be in a position to have a soundly based policy in this important manpower area. The committee will report to me on the actions which will need to be undertaken, so as to ensure the greatest possible return for Irish workers and the Irish economy as a whole.
Are the Minister's Department in close touch with the Department of Industry and Commerce regarding possible finds off the coast? May I also ask him whether there are people being trained for underwater work, pipe laying and so on, that would arise with the piping in of natural gas or oil.
We are in contact with the Department of Industry and Commerce. There will probably be a representative of the body concerned on the committee. Of course the skills mentioned by the Deputy will be essential in any development.
Did the Minister say the committee has been set up?
No, I will be setting it up shortly.