Mervyn Taylor
Ceist:17 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Energy if he has any expectations of oil being discovered off the coast of Ireland in exploitable quantities in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Exploration and Discoveries.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:26 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Energy if he has any plans to change or modify the oil exploration terms in respect of Irish off-shore exploration in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:79 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Energy the number of exploration wells which will be drilled in the Irish off-shore in 1990; the number which were drilled in each of the years from 1980 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Tomás MacGiolla
Ceist:87 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Energy the number of exploration and appraisal wells likely to be drilled in Irish waters during 1990; the number of companies involved; the way in which this compares with 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I proposed to take Questions Nos. 17, 26, 79, and 87 together.
The number of exploration wells drilled in the Irish offshore in each of the years from 1980 to date is as follows: 1980, 3; 1981, 7; 1982, 4; 1983, 6; 1984, 5; 1985, 6; 1986, 6; 1987, 3; 1988, 3 and 1989, 4.
I expect six exploration wells to be drilled in 1990 involving at least 15 companies. The drilling of any appraisal wells will depend on the results of these exploration wells. One appraisal well was drilled in 1989. As with all exploration drilling, this year's wells are being drilled in the belief that commercial finds of oil or gas could result. I have no plans to change the terms applying to oil and gas exploration.