asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any concessions have been sought by any of the international oil companies for exploration for oil or natural gas under the terms of the Continental Shelf Act, 1968.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Mineral Exploration.
70.
I have received four firm applications from oil companies which operate internationally.
Can the Minister state if any concession has been granted yet?
No.
Could the Minister state when a concession is likely to be granted?
There are some negotiations going on which have not yet concluded. I would hope they would conclude fairly soon. As soon as this happens the first concession will be granted. Thereafter the other applications will be dealt with immediately.
When the concession is granted will the information be made available to the public?
Yes. I am not quite sure offhand whether it would be in the form of a public announcement. To anybody interested the details are made available on application as to what concessions have been granted.
Would the Minister indicate in what area they are likely to be exploring? Is it off the east or the west coast of Ireland?
I would prefer not to answer that question at this stage.