Vol. 501 No. 3
123 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the commitment, if any, given in order that Irish workers would be employed on oil rigs which operate within Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5802/99]
It is Government policy to ensure that the Irish 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 the individual operators that Irish workers and indeed Irish suppliers of goods and services must be given opportunities to participate in such activities and I will continue to do so.
In that context my Department is facilitating discussions between representatives of the Irish Offshore Operators Association, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Offshore Suppliers Association on the utilisation of Irish resources and services in the offshore petroleum industry. These discussions are ongoing. I am anxious that Irish involvement be increased and sustained over the longer term.
There are, however, no powers available to require undertakings in regard to jobs or the provision of services with the oil companies involved in offshore exploration activities. Responsibility as regards employment of workers and indeed the provision of services and related issues are strictly matters for the exploration companies and their contractors. There are no powers available to oblige operators engaged in exploration activities in the Irish offshore to use Irish workers and suppliers of goods and services. The imposition of such conditions on licence holders is precluded under EU regulations.
I should also mention that 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 activities. They have been very active in this area for some time and have assisted the operators in identifying Irish companies who can tender for work and have assisted companies by identifying opportunities that are arising in both petroleum exploration and production.
