Vol. 500 No. 1
101 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that Irish workers are employed by a company (details supplied) or the oil rig operators in the exploration and development of the Corrib field which is due to commence in the near future. [3546/99]
It is Government policy to ensure the economy benefits to the maximum extent possible from offshore exploration activities within the constraints of EU legislation. I have continually impressed on the Irish Offshore Operators Association and the individual operators that Irish workers and Irish suppliers of goods and services must be given opportunities to participate in such activities and I will continue to do so. In that context my Department is facilitating discussions between representatives of the Irish Offshore Operators Association, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Offshore Suppliers Association on the utilisation of Irish resources and services in the offshore petroleum industry. These discussions are ongoing. I am anxious that Irish involvement be increased and sustained over the longer term. There are, however, no powers available to require undertakings in regard to jobs or the provision of services with the oil companies involved in offshore exploration activities. Responsibility as regards employment of workers and the provison of services and related issues are strictly matters for the exploration companies and their contractors. There are no powers available to oblige operators engaged in exploration activities in the Irish offshore to use Irish workers and suppliers of goods and services. The imposition of such conditions on licence holders is precluded under EU regulations.
