Vol. 496 No. 1
112 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position in relation to gas, oil and mineral exploration; whether indications are promising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/98]
113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the number and name of firms currently engaged in exploration for oil, gas or other minerals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
The position in relation to the names of companies exploring for petroleum and minerals is a matter of public record. I report the positions by means of half yearly reports, one relating to oil and gas, the other to minerals, laid before each House of the Oireachtas in respect of the six months ending 30 June or 31 December in accordance with requirements laid down by the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, and the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1995. I refer the Deputy to the reports covering the period 1 January 1998-30 June 1998 which are in the Library.
To bring the Deputy up to date since 30 June, I can advise that licences shown in the report as being held by Irish Gold Company, Rossmore Deep Mines Limited and jointly by Glencar Exploration Limited and Andamam Resources Limited have either expired and not been renewed or have been surrendered. In addition to over 20 licences issued to existing licensees, new licensees are Nickelodeon Limited and Ormonde Brick Limited. Other licences are in the pipeline.
The question of whether indications are promising in relation to minerals is one of commercial decision by the licence holder as is the decision on when to make a public statement in relation to any particular prospect.
To bring the Deputy up to date since 30 June, I can advise that one petroleum exploration licence shown in the report as held by BHP Petroleum (International Exploration) Pty Limited has now expired.
I attach considerable importance to efforts being made to establish further Irish petroleum production. Currently there are, 25 petroleum exploration licences on issue each of which carries a specific work programme. Whereas I recognise the capabilities and commitment of companies exploring offshore Ireland at present, the fact that the price of oil is low and projected to remain so for the immediate future does not help in the high risk frontier areas off our west coast. Nevertheless I am hopeful that the number of licences will increase when the applications for the frontier licensing round in the South Porcupine Basin, to be submitted by the closing date on 15 December this year, are assessed and awards made in the spring.
