I propose to take Questions Nos. 779 and 781 together.
ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore) Limited is the operator of Frontier Exploration Licence 3/04, and also holds an interest in Frontier Exploration Licence 1/99. Both Frontier Exploration Licences are located in the Porcupine Basin off the Southwest coast.
On 22 April 2013 ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore) Limited received approval from my Department to drill a single exploration well (44/23-1) on the Frontier Exploration Licence 3/04 ‘Dunquin’ prospect, utilising the Eirik Raude drilling unit. Drilling operations commenced shortly afterwards and were completed on 30 July 2013. The drilling unit departed Irish waters shortly thereafter as originally planned.
During drilling operations and in accordance with the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production, and associated Rules and Procedures for Offshore Petroleum Exploration and Appraisal Operations, ExxonMobil provided my Department with technical well data which was analysed and interpreted by my Department’s technical specialists. ExxonMobil are also required to furnish a final well evaluation report to my Department in due course.
ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Ireland (Offshore) Limited remains the operator of Frontier Exploration Licence 3/04 and is currently evaluating the outcome of Exploration well 44/23-1.
In order to promote and assist effective petroleum exploration, my Department makes available to exploration companies a range of technical information relating to the Irish offshore, as soon as the confidentiality period in respect of such information has expired. In respect of Exploration well 44/23-1 the confidentiality period is five years from the completion of the well operations.