asked the Minister for Energy if he will ensure that any commercial discoveries of oil or gas will, if developed, be landed in Ireland and processed in this country.
Written Answers. - Oil and Gas Discoveries.
37.
Our offshore licence terms provide that all petroleum, including natural gas, produced in a licensed area must be landed in Ireland at a place approved by the Minister unless the Minister approves some other landing point. The 1976 Gas Act generally provides that natural gas produced within the jurisdiction must be offered for sale to Bord Gáis Éireann on reasonable terms.
It is my intention to avail of these rights to the full with a view to maximising the benefit for the Irish economy.