asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will outline his policy on the construction of production platforms in Ireland for the offshore oil and gas industry; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Production Platforms.
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I have already announced my intention to introduce legislation shortly to provide for the control and regulation of the construction of production platforms and I will outline my views on the subject at that stage.
Has the Minister made a decision which would prohibit the use of concrete platforms?
Not at all.
Is he biased in any way against concrete platforms?
I hope I am not biased either way. It is a matter for the best technical solution. Without being an expert I understand there are circumstances where steel is the best and there are circumstances where concrete is the best. It depends on a number of considerations about which I would not be competent to have an opinion. I will base my decision on the best advice I can get. I have no bias either way.
When will all these matters be resolved?
The preparation of the legislation is very well advanced. I have said it will be my intention to introduce legislation shortly. Hopefully "shortly" will be before Easter, but certainly before the summer recess. The co-operation of the Opposition in moving business on rapidly would be helpful.
May I ask the Minister if it is true that Marathon were proposing to build platforms outside this country and is he satisfied this will not happen before the legislation?
That is a separate question. If the Deputy puts down a question to me I will certainly answer it as fully as I can.
Would the Minister agree it may be too late if we wait for the legislation, even if it does come before Easter? Is the Minister satisfied this will not happen before the legislation he refers to comes before the House?
I confess I do not see the correlation between the two things.
It is very important to ensure that any such order for platforms is not placed outside the country before he introduces his legislation and can he ensure this will not happen?
I certainly cannot. We want the gas ashore in the first half of 1978 and if, in regard to some particular structure that is required, there is in fact no Irish tender then, whether or not legislation is introduced or how quickly it is enacted has no relevance.
In the case I referred to, Marathon, is it not a fact that there is an Irish tender in association with a British firm?
The Deputy is raising a specific matter which is worthy of a separate question.
I will certainly answer such questions if they are put down.