asked the Minister for Energy the number of applications he has received for oil exploration licences for blocks 49/22, 49/23, 49/24, 49/25 and 50/16 in the Celtic Sea since the closing date on 15 July 1987; whether any drilling commitments have been entered into in relation to these blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Oil Exploration.
41.
One application for acreage included in the five block package has been received in my Department and agreement on licensing certain blocks has been reached. This involves an extensive work programme of 600 km of seismic and the drilling of at least one well in the event of a suitable prospect being identified.
The remaining blocks will continue to be available for application under the Department's "open door" negotiation policy and it is expected that reappraisal of the Irish offshore which, I understand, is being planned by some oil companies as a consequence of the new terms, will include these blocks.