asked the Minister for Labour the number of oil rigs expected to open off the Irish coast this summer, the number of persons that it is expected will be employed on such rigs and the number of Irish persons who may expect employment as crew members on such rigs.
Written Answers. - Oil Rigs.
267.
Information available at present indicates that a minimum of five rigs will be in operation off the Irish coast in the 1979 drilling season. Final details of the proposed drilling programme are not, however, available as yet.
Assuming the presence of five working rigs the total number of persons to be employed thereon would be approximately 550. It is expected that Irish nationals would fill up to 312 of these positions.