My predecessor, Deputy Woods, initiated 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 chaired by my Department and are ongoing.
Exploration and production companies employ Irish workers in offshore exploration and development, particularly in the Kinsale gas field. I have continually impressed on the Irish Offshore Operators Association and the individual operators that Irish workers and suppliers of goods and services, including service ports, must be given opportunities to participate fully in such activities and I will continue to do so. In an address to the Institute of Petroleum last November I made it clear that the Government does not expect the industry to avail of Irish goods, services or employment where these are clearly not competitive but it does expect the industry to encourage and facilitate potential Irish suppliers to compete for the services required. This should be done in partnership with State agencies and should be seen as part of the industry's commitment to Ireland, within a long-term commercial and marketing framework.