asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement on the number of wells drilled off-shore in 1985 and the results obtained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Off-Shore Wells.
17.
Five wells have been drilled offshore Ireland so far in 1985. In addition, Gulf Oil are currently drilling a well on block 50/6 in the Celtic Sea.
The BP well on block 48/18 in the Celtic Sea flowed gas on test at up to 13.7 million cubic feet per day. The results of this well are being assessed at present by the licensees and by my Department.
The remaining four wells were plugged and abandoned as dry holes. Three of these were located in the Celtic Sea Basin and the fourth was in the Porcupine Basin.
A short question Deputy.
Will the Minister confirm that the ten wells to be drilled next year are out of the third round or are some of them from the second round and previous commitments?
I have already said that some will be from the third round and others from the second and previous rounds. The important thing which the Deputy seems to be at pains to play down is that ten wells will be drilled in 1986.
Are they all in the third round?
I made it very clear that they are not.
In accordance with Standing Orders I must now move to Questions nominated for priority.