I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 15, 23, 32, 33, 67 and 68 together.
I can tell the Deputies who have put down these questions that the Government are open to proposals which would lead to any or all of the following: (1) reactivation of the 1 million tonne storage and trans-shipment facility at Whiddy Island, and (2) continued operations and refinery upgrade at Whitegate. To this end, my Department have prepared a document to facilitate discussion with Governments or companies who intend to make such proposals. A significant level of interest has been generated but I do not intend, for reasons of commercial propriety and confidentiality, to identify, at this stage, the contacts which have been initiated.
I can say that discussions have taken place recently between officials of my Department and the Nigerian National Oil Corporation and associates including French, Italian and Japanese interests. The discussions were of a preliminary nature and considerable further detail is required before any comprehensive negotiation with this group is possible.
There are ongoing contacts with a European company related to a development at Whitegate.
In conclusion, I would like to make it quite clear that, first, I am not, at present, in receipt of any definite proposal from any source in relation to the oil facilities and, secondly, no exclusivity arrangement is currently in place with respect to discussions in relation to these facilities.