I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 19, 30, 32, 39, and 44 together.
I would refer Deputies to the reply I gave to the House on 28 January and 17 May in relation to the proposals made on behalf of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
A final project proposal was received by me on 2 May and my Department, in conjunction with the INPC, are currently examining it with all speed possible bearing in mind the complexity of the issues involved. I have also engaged outside consultants to provide an independent appraisal of the proposal. I do not consider that it would be appropriate to publish the consultants' report when completed.
I have long held the belief that Ireland's strategic oil needs can best be served by the presence of an operating oil refinery backed up with adequate stocks of both crude and product. It can be taken that in the course of any negotiations I would ensure that the State's strategic interests are protected.
The proposed project proposal includes a plan for the construction of an oil products pipeline from the Whitegate refinery to Dublin with a number of intermediate depots. It would not be appropriate for me to make any statement in relation to this or other aspects of the proposal which are now under examination.
I have seen the media report to the effect that consultants engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have submitted a favourable report to the NNPC on the proposals which were received by me on 2 May. I am not in a position to comment on the consultants' report as it has not been forwarded to me. It should be noted that such a report could not in any way comment upon the acceptability of the proposals to the Irish Government.
I will, of course, give careful consideration to any proposal which is received for the use of the facilities at the Whiddy terminal or the Whitegate refinery. It is open to any interested party to submit their proposal to my Department.