asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to reduce imports of oil to improve the economic position of the State.
166.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Imports.
165.
asked the Minister for Finance the consultations if any, that have taken place with the British Government and the steps that have been taken to reduce this country's balance of payments deficit arising from the increased cost of oil imports.
Mr. Kenny
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
The Government are keeping trends in the level of imports and consumption of oil and oil products under continuous review in the context of energy policy as a whole. Measures have already been taken or are in train to conserve energy and to develop further national energy resources, so reducing our dependence on oil imports.
Energy policy is also being actively pursued in the EEC, in the OECD and in the Energy Co-ordinating Group set up following the Washington Conference. The Government are participating fully in this activity. In view of the number of Departments and State agencies concerned with aspects of energy use, the Minister for Transport and Power has established an interdepartmental committee to review existing energy policies in the light of present circumstances and further prospects and to co-ordinate the development and implementation of appropriate energy policies by the Departments concerned.
The Government will keep the impact of these various measures under review, and are prepared to take further measures if and when they become necessary?
Could the Minister give a figure for the extra imposition on our balance of payments as a result of the increased prices of oil in the coming year?
That would seem to be a separate question.
I do not think so. The question asks if the Minister for Finance has any plans to reduce imports of oil to improve the economic position of the State and surely it is very important to know what imports of oil will mean to us in terms of our balance of payments in the coming year.
The Deputy is asking for figures.
If I cannot ask for figures, why am I here?
The Deputy is asking for specific figures.
Surely it is relevant to Question No. 165 to know what the additional cost of oil imports will mean in our balance of payments position.
That would seem to merit a question.
Very well. I find it difficult to understand the ruling of the Chair, but being the well-behaved Deputy I am, I accept it. May I again ask the Parliamentary Secretary would he agree with me that the most important contribution this Government could make in this situation of difficulty in regard to the procuring of oil imports and their cost would be to get on with the business of exploring the possibility of some oil in our own coastal waters and would he accept that the delay by the Minister for Industry and Commerce in getting on with this exploration——
That is a separate question.
——is entirely reprehensible?
Mr. Kenny
If the Deputy addresses the latter part of his question to the Minister for Transport and Power——
Industry and Commerce.
Mr. Kenny
——I am sure he will get a very satisfactory reply.