asked the Minister for Energy if he will confirm that the British National Oil Corporation have begun seismic tests in the Rockall area as stated in a report (details supplied); if so, whether licences for same have been applied for or obtained from the Irish Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rockall Seismic Tests.
206.
I have no knowledge that the British National Oil Corporation have begun or intend to carry out seismic work in the area in question.
However, I am aware that a consortium comprising the British National Oil Corporation and British Petroleum was awarded, in February 1977, a licence in respect of four blocks in the UK designated area off the North West. As parts of two of these blocks lay within the area claimed by this country the Irish Government counter-designated the relevant parts of these two blocks. Letters were sent in May 1977 to the two companies concerned informing them that part of two of the blocks they had licensed from the UK were seen by the Irish Government as falling within its jurisdiction. To date no work has been undertaken in these blocks.
However, it came to my attention, in April of this year, that BP, the operator for the consortium, intended to carry out seismic work in the blocks in question and that part of this work would cover the counter-designated blocks.
My Department informed BP, through their Irish subsidiary, that part of the area they held under licence from the UK was claimed and designated by the Irish Government and that no company had the right to carry out exploration work in our designated area without first obtaining a licence to do so. Not having received a satisfactory reply to our informal approaches, my Department wrote formally to BP on 23 May 1980.
I am still awaiting a reply from BP but they have not started their seismic work and I understand that the programme, which was to have commenced sometime this month, has been postponed.