Michael Finucane
Question:19 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the issues he is addressing in his proposed new licensing terms for oil exploration; and whether the minerals areas will be included.
Written Answers. - Oil Exploration Licensing.
The licensing terms set out the conditions with which holders of exploration licences and production leases must comply. The current offshore licensing terms date from April 1975. It has been my view that a thorough review and overhaul was required and this work is now nearing completion. I expect to be in a position to publish the new terms very shortly.
The new terms will broaden the scope of available arrangements covering both exploration and production activities and will include changes in the nature, structure and duration of authorisations, required work programmes and level and structure of fees.
The petroleum sector and the minerals sector are treated separately in regard to licensing terms and the revision of terms for both sectors are separate questions. Discussions are currently in progress between my Department and representatives of the mining industry on proposals for new terms for mineral prospecting licences and State mining leases. The purpose of the proposals is to stimulate prospecting activity and speed up the application and renewal process.
Until such time as the discussions are complete it would be inappropriate to make any further comment.