asked the Minister for Transport and Power if any increase in storage facilities excluding ESB storage facilities, for oil and oil products has been made available since 1st January, 1974.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Storage Facilities.
13.
Since 1st January, 1974, oil storage facilities have been increased by about 9,000 tonnes by oil companies and large oil consumers excluding the ESB. I understand that these companies have firm plans to extend storage by a further 35,000 tonnes.
Prior to 1st January of this year we were required by an EEC Directive to hold stocks of at least 65 days' supply and we are complying with this requirement. The requirement was raised to 90 days as from 1st January, 1975. Our stocks as on 1st April, 1975, stood at 76 days and the question of the arrangements to be made to increase stock levels to the 90-day level is at present under examination.
Could the Minister say what would be the estimated cost of raising it to the 90 days and who will bear the cost of such storage facilities?
It is estimated that the cost of raising it from the 76 days to the 90 days would be £16 million.
Who will bear the cost of the further increase required by the EEC?
It has not yet been decided as to whether we should build storage for this amount or whether we should endeavour to have bilateral agreements. Already we have two bilateral agreements for storage in other countries. Of course, if we can negotiate other bilateral agreements, there would be no cost involved. If we had to build storage there would be, but that has not yet been decided. We are pursuing bilateral agreements at present.
Might I ask the Minister if the oil companies recommended —through the working party which sat on this matter—that the motorists should bear the cost of any increased storage?
No, not to my knowledge.
Might I ask the Minister for some assurance that the motorists will not be asked to bear the cost of increased storage?
I could not give an assurance now on something which it has not yet been decided will happen at all. I think the Deputy will appreciate that.
Might I ask the Minister further if the report of this working party has been before his Department since September, 1974 and if any action has been taken?
It has been before the Department since January, 1975.
I have repeatedly called the next question, No. 14.
Has the Minister considered the provision of an oil tanker for the transport of oil to this country, or are we to be left with the same bottleneck—that even though we have storage facilities on land, we might not be able to bring the oil to our shores?
The Deputy means to purchase an oil tanker or hire one?
Yes. Is there any intention to do so?
No.
Would the Minister consider getting an oil storage facility for essential government services in the event of a breakdown in the distribution system?
Yes, I shall consider that.