As I have previously stated in the House, arising from discussions which I had with the Irish Offshore Operators Association and SIPTU, I arranged for my Department to set up and facilitate 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 is increased and sustained over the longer term.
However, I must again point out that responsibility with regard to employment of workers and the provision of services and related issues are strictly matters for the exploration companies and their contractors. There are no powers available to require undertakings in regard to jobs or the provision of services with the oil companies involved in offshore exploration activities. As I have explained before, the imposition of such conditions on licence holders is precluded under EU legislation in force since 1968, Regulation 1612/68, in relation to the freedom of movement of workers.
It is Government policy to ensure that the Irish 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 suppliers of goods and services must be given opportunities to participate in such activities and I will continue to do so.