asked the Minister for Energy when an Irish commercial oil find is likely to be brought ashore in Ireland; and if terms were recently discussed with oil companies for so doing.
Written Answers. - Irish Commercial Oil Find.
25.
No commercial oil discovery has yet been made and it is unrealistic, therefore, to speculate on the date on which delivery on shore might come about. Last September the Government revised the licence terms with a view to encouraging further exploration and I am satisfied that this revision is having a beneficial effect. As regards the second part of the question discussions have taken place with certain consortia about the development potential of some small gas prospects identified in recent years. The offer which I made in relation to these prospects with a view to facilitating further drilling on them is at present under consideration.