Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 2

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

19 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the latest position regarding the discussions he has had with oil exploration companies generally and a company (details supplied) regarding the maximum possible use of Irish workers in exploration and development work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3636/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

As outlined in replies to the House on 23 June 1999, 20 October 1999 and 25 November 1999, arising from discussions which my predecessor, Deputy Woods, had with the Irish Offshore Operators Association and SIPTU, he arranged that my Department set up and facilitate 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.

In October Deputy Woods met the board of the company referred to by the Deputy and impressed on it our expectations for the use of Irish workers and goods and services in its operations in this country. While exploration and production companies have employed, and continue to employ, Irish workers in offshore exploration and development, particularly in the Kinsale gas field, I nevertheless wish to reiterate that it is Government policy to ensure the economy benefits to the maximum extent possible from offshore exploration activities, within the constraints of EU legislation. It has been continually impressed on the Irish Offshore Operators Association and the individual operators that Irish workers and suppliers of goods and services, including service ports, must be given opportunities to participate in such activities and I will continue to do so. Enterprise Ireland has been designated to act as facilitator between operators of petroleum exploration licences and Irish providers of goods and services.

Responsibility as regards employment of workers and the provision of services and related issues, including the selection of service ports for offshore operations, are strictly matters for the exploration companies and their contractors. There are no powers available to me to require undertakings in regard to jobs or the provision of services with the oil companies involved in offshore petroleum exploration activities. The imposition of such conditions on licence holders is precluded under EU legislation in force since 1968, Regulation 1612/68, in relation to the freedom of movement of workers.

It is my intention to maximise the use of Irish goods, services and employment in respect of all offshore operations. Crucial to that is the need to ensure all potential contractors or suppliers of service are made aware of present and future requirements of operators and main contractors. To that end, I have asked Enterprise Ireland and the Marine Institute to intensify their business awareness efforts. I am organising a business awareness seminar for the suppliers of goods and services to the exploration and production sector and this will be held in Mayo at end March or early April 2000.