Vol. 516 No. 4
22 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the discussions he has had with oil exploration companies generally and one com pany in particular (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. [8194/00]
35 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to ensure the maximum possible benefit to the economy from the Corrib Gas Field, particularly in terms of jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8189/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 35 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to a similar question raised in the House on 10 February last.
Since then I have met with a delegation from the Irish Offshore Operators Association and had a very useful discussion on how Irish industry could increase its share of goods and services supplied to the offshore exploration sector. I highlighted my expectations that Irish companies should be given full and fair opportunities to compete at all stages of exploration and to bid for work. I also expect that every effort will be made to accommodate smaller suppliers.
I mentioned in my reply in February that I was organising a business awareness seminar for the suppliers of goods and services to the exploration and production sector.
A seminar called Contract Awareness for the Offshore Sector will now be held in Westport on Friday, 14 April next and is being organised by my Department in conjunction with the Irish Offshore Operators Association We are bringing together all interested parties to ensure that our strategies are effective and our bids are competitive in all respects if and when contracts are on offer. I will be able to present, for the first time, to any exploration concern a full and comprehensive inventory of Irish skills and Irish know-how.
