asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the names of the companies with whom he held secret negotiations before his recent announcement of the proposed terms of licences for off-shore oil and gas exploration; and why those secret negotiations were held with some companies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil and Gas Exploration Discussions.
16.
It would be contrary to the normal practice to make any further announcement in relation to these confidential discussions until the discussions have been concluded.
Is the Minister continuing to have these discussions while awaiting proposals or submissions from other companies as well?
Yes.
Therefore, what is the point of the Minister designating, I think it was, 31st July as the date for the submission of proposals if it is possible that all the various off-shore blocks will be allocated as a result of these secret discussions?
It is not possible that they will all be allocated.
Are the reports that there are, I think, 24 companies involved correct?
Some companies are being dealt with individually; some in groups. I really could not verify whether or not the number is 24. I have not got a full list.
When did these negotiations commence?
It is difficult to be precise about that. As the Deputy will appreciate, there have been many contacts with many companies. In some instances one could not pick a formal moment for the commencement of negotiations. They may have suggested that they would be willing to discuss special arrangements and we may have suggested the same thing. Now that we are in the month of May, certainly one could say they have been going on for three or four months.
Why would the Minister not disclose the names of the companies now in view of the fact that he has announced himself that these negotiations have been going on?
If the Deputy thinks about that, some of these companies may, in relation to their colleague companies, feel a certain sense of embarrassment. If the thing proceeds, they are satisfied, and it is finalised and formalised, they may be quite happy to have it announced. But if it does not come to fruition, they may prefer—and, indeed, in many cases would prefer—that it was not known to other companies in this area of oil exploration.
The Minister says some other companies may feel a certain form of embarrassment——
The Deputy has had a fair number of supplementary questions. Question No. 17.
Does the Minister feel any form of embarrassment about it?
None at all.
Then how does the Minister justify picking out some companies secretly rather than others?
I am afraid we cannot debate this matter. I have allowed the Deputy a fair number of supplementary questions.
Sir, this is a very serious matter.
I appreciate that, Deputy, but I have allowed you about seven or eight supplementary questions.
That the Minister has been having secret negotiations with some companies and not with others could give rise, properly so or not, to allegations of favouritism and all kinds of things. Those allegations may not, in fact, be well founded but the kind of secretiveness that went on and the failure of the Minister to answer the question now——
The Deputy is now making a statement on the matter.
——gives more ground for the making of allegations and feelings of grievance on the part of certain companies and certain people.
I am afraid we cannot debate the matter today.