Vol. 495 No. 7
168 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of fishermen in relation to the possible risks to them from activities involved in oil exploration off the Irish coast; the safety measures, if any, in place to allay their fears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21565/98]
I am aware of the concerns of fishermen about the risks which may arise in connection with petroleum exploration and production activities in our offshore. I have asked the Department to set up, in the coming weeks, a face to face meeting between the offshore industry and the fishing organisations which will review together issues of concern.
While it is my belief that offshore exploration activities do not create a safety problem for fishermen it is my objective to protect the interests of all sectors operating in the offshore in relation to marine and offshore earth resources. The rights and obligations of any one participant in the marine area must be respected by other users and harmonious co-existence is facilitated by information exchange and consultation.
Procedures and controls governing the operation of exploration licences which provide comprehensive protection for fishermen and other users of the sea are in place. My Department issues a rules and procedures manual for offshore petroleum exploration operations to the operators of exploration licences. Operators must ensure that any activities carried out by them under these licences comply with all relevant national and international statutory regulations and other requirements in force at the time for any particular location.
The manual outlines in detail the procedures to be followed in relation to applications to carry out exploration surveys and exploration and appraisal drilling. Copies of the applications must be submitted to all relevant Government Departments and agencies. Where marine vessels are being used for an exploration survey the Marine Rescue Co-Ordination Centre, MRCC, and the Marine Survey Office, MSO, must be notified of commencement and completion of the survey. The vessel is required to update the MRCC on a daily basis on its operational area. In the case of exploration or appraisal drilling, notice must be given to the Irish Marine Emergency Services, IMES, and the MSO in order that such information as is required may be published in a Marine Notice. During actual movement of a drilling unit within Irish waters the operator is required to keep IMES, the MSO and Naval Service headquarters informed of such movements on a daily basis.
