Michael Ring
Ceist:271 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the role he has in relation to the granting of a petroleum lease and the approval of a plan of development for the Corrib gas project. [17162/01]
Written Answers. - Corrib Gas Field.
Under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended by the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, primary responsibility for the granting of petroleum leases rests with the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources.
Certain provisions under the legislation require the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources to seek the concurrence or consent of the Minister for Finance. The legislation further provides that the Minister for Finance shall be a party to any such lease proposed.