asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will consider issuing a comprehensive statement on the possibility of oil and natural gases being found either in the country or in the territorial waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil and Gas Deposits.
63.
Extensive exploration for oil and natural gas has been carried out in the land area since 1960. Some preliminary surveys have also been carried out in certain offshore areas, including parts of the territorial waters and the continental shelf. These investigations have been carried out under license by private enterprises and are still continuing. The detailed results submitted to my Department are confidential, except where the licensees agree to release the information but I can tell the Deputy that very considerable detailed investigations will be necessary before the potential for oil and natural gas can be assessed.