asked the Minister for Energy if he will now place in the Dáil Library the detailed agreement reached between him and Chevron Gulf oil company for the reconstruction and operation of Whiddy oil terminal; the arrangements he has made for the protection of our strategic oil stocks during and after the reconstruction stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiddy Oil Terminal.
10.
The original lease relating to Whiddy was filed in the Registry of Deeds where it is available for public inspection. In view of this I see no fundamental objection to the publication of the agreement we are now drawing up. Perhaps the Deputy would allow me some time to establish that there is not in fact any serious strategic or legal impediment in the way of doing this. Even if there is an insurmountable problem in this regard, it would be my intention to enable the Deputy, as spokesman for Energy, to examine the agreement, as it would be desirable to eliminate any doubts of the kind which were expressed here in December. I hope to finalise the detailed agreement in a few days.
I am sure the Minister can recall that towards the end of the last session we made a request to him that he consider placing this document in the Library. That was some time ago and I would have imagined that some conclusion could have been arrived at. If I am not to get the opportunity of looking at that document I must pursue during Question Time the various aspects of the agreement because we are not certain where we stand, particularly in regard to strategic oil stocks. Will the Minister assure the House that our strategic oil supplies will be protected during the construction work at Whiddy and afterwards?
I can assure the House of that. A number of weeks have passed and the draft final agreement is on the Government agenda and should be completed in a matter of days. I will cooperate with the Deputy in every respect.
Could the Minister give some indication when he expects the operations at Whiddy will commence?
I cannot give an exact date, but I should be in a far better position to do so in a matter of days when the agreement has been signed.
Is it proposed to establish a harbour authority to monitor and control the activities of the company which is reopening the jetty and does the agreement with Chevron include safety criteria laid down by the Whiddy inquiry?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that the tribunal did not make any specific recommendations on the establishment of a harbour authority. In any event, the responsibility for such an authority lies with the Minister for Communications who is at present examining that aspect and will report to the Government.
Could the Minister give an indication when preparations for the implementation through legislation of the recommendations for the future safety of Whiddy will be in train?
I cannot give any indication at this stage.