Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 5

Written Answers. - Offshore Exploration.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

39 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the discussions he has had with oil exploration companies generally and, in particular, a company (details supplied) regarding the maximum possible use of Irish workers in exploration and development work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20703/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

As I outlined in my reply in the House on 23 June, arising from discussions which I had with the Irish Offshore Operators Association and SIPTU, I arranged that my Department 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.

Last week I met the board of the company referred to by the Deputy and impressed on it my expectations for the use of Irish workers and goods and services in its operations in this country. While exploration companies have of course employed, and continue to employ, Irish workers in offshore exploration and development, particularly in the Kinsale gasfield, I nevertheless wish to reiterate that 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. As I have said before, 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. I have designated Enterprise Ireland to act as facilitator between operators of petroleum exploration licences and Irish providers of goods and services.