Edward Nealon
Ceist:11 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Energy the progress, if any, which has been made in the proposed arrangements initiated by the Taoiseach to import oil from the Soviet Union.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Imports from USSR.
Subsequent to the initiatives undertaken last year at political level with a view to enhancing our trading relationship with the Soviet Union, the Irish National Petroleum Corporation has made a number of Soviet crude purchases and, subject to appropriate commercial and technical criteria, further purchases will be considered during 1990.
May I ask the Minister whether the discussions he is having regarding the future of Whitegate and the possible participation by other producer countries will leave room for continued trade with the Soviet Union?
As the Deputy is aware we are in the market place with Whitegate, and, indeed, with Whiddy. At this point in time I do not know what, if any, final arrangements will be entered into in regard to Whitegate. One can be assured that we will seek to establish normal trading practices in whatever arrangement we enter into with any third party in this matter.