Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2006
243 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the terms of reference of the Indecon consultancy on Ireland’s natural resources; when he expects to have the report; and if he will introduce legislation on the matter before the general election. [43433/06]
View answerThe terms of reference for the consultancy project to review the current licensing regime are as follows:
Consideration of the Department's views on how the licensing regime could best be changed, as set out in two reports covering fiscal and non-fiscal terms respectively.
Advice on any alternative fiscal regimes which could better achieve the objectives.
Advice on peer countries (comparable in terms of size or petroleum development) considering relative tax and royalty burdens and other licence terms vs. objectives.
A quantitative analysis of the preferred regime (underlying model, specific details — thresholds, rates etc.).
Advice on any additional non-fiscal features considered beneficial to the State.
The report of the consultants is due this month. I shall consider the report and its recommendations before bringing my proposals to Government early in the new year.
