asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, with reference to agreements entered or to be entered into by him affecting the exploration of the sea bed for minerals, oil and gas, the steps taken to prevent pollution of the sea by leakage in an undersea oil well; and what indemnities are furnished by the other contracting parties in respect of damage which may be caused to other persons by such explorations and consequent leakages.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sea Bed Exploration.
79.
No licences authorising the drilling of the sea bed for oil have yet been issued. The prevention of pollution of the sea by oil is the responsibility of the Minister for Transport and Power. The Oil Pollution of the Sea Acts 1956 and 1965, as applied by section 7 of the Continental Shelf Act, 1968, prohibit the discharge of oil as a result of the exploration or exploitation of the resources of the sea bed of the continental shelf. Any licences authorising drilling for oil will be subject to such conditions as may, after consultation with the Minister for Transport and Power, be considered necessary to safeguard against pollution arising out of the exploration or exploitation of oil in the Continental Shelf.
80.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether in the exploration for natural gas in the Irish Sea and in view of the determination of the British Government that either the Coal Board or the Gas Council must have a strong interest in such a venture the Irish Government, through State fuel companies, will seek a joint venture in this area.
It has been the policy of the Government not to participate directly in mineral exploration and development but to stimulate these activities by providing facilities and incentives to private concerns, with the necessary financial and technological resources, to engage in them. This policy has proved successful in the development of mineral resources in the land area and, at this stage, I see no reason to depart from the policy in connection with the exploration for oil and gas in our area of Continental Shelf.