It is Government policy to ensure that the economy benefits to the maximum extent possible from offshore exploration activities within the constraints of EU legislation. I have continually impressed on the Irish Offshore Operators Association and individual operators that Irish suppliers of goods and service and Irish workers must be given opportunities to participate in such activities and I will continue to do so.
Enterprise Ireland, under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has responsibility for ensuring maximum input of Irish industry in offshore exploration operations. It has been active in this area for some time, has assisted operators in identifying Irish companies which can tender for work and has also assisted companies by identifying opportunities that are arising in petroleum exploration and production.
There are no powers available to require undertakings in regard to jobs or the provision of services with the oil companies involved in off-shore exploration activities. Responsibility as regards employment of workers and the provision of services and related issues is strictly a matter for the exploration companies and their contractors. There are no powers available to oblige operators engaged in exploration activities in the Irish offshore area to use Irish workers and suppliers of goods and services. The imposition of such conditions on licence holders is precluded under EU regulations.
I will continue to do everything possible to encourage individual operators to provide Irish workers with opportunities to participate in off-shore activities. My Department has written to SIPTU and the Irish Offshore Operators Association urging them to discuss the problem of employment in offshore exploration with the intention of arriving at an acceptable solution.